CHILDREN enjoyed a taste of democracy – by holding a debate in the Kirklees Council chamber.

The 32 pupils from Lindley Junior School discussed the merits and disadvantages of wearing school uniforms, at Huddersfield Town Hall yesterday.

The debate was organised by Lindley ward councillor Christine Stanfield and the school as a way to teach the youngsters about democracy.

Clr Stanfield demonstrated to the children how debates are conducted in the chamber and she showed the youngsters how to use the room’s public address system.

The pupils, aged seven to 11, joined Clr Stanfield and teacher Amy King, in the debate, chaired by year 6 pupil Hannah Swallow, who adopted the role of the Mayor of Kirklees.

Each pupil represented his/her class as an elected member of the school’s student council.

Ms King said: “We do a lot of work in school about democracy. Today gave the children a real hands-on feel for how local politics works.