SCHOOLKIDS got a glimpse of life in along the corridors of power from North Swindon’s MP.

Justin Tomlinson visited Swindon Academy’s Alton Close primary school He guided 400 excited Penhill youngsters through the process of passing their own law – to boost the amount of sport in the school day.

The MP also announced the winners of the school council elections.

He has visited a number of schools and youth groups in recent days – marking Parliament Week, which ends on Sunday.

Justin said of the visits: “It’s one of my favourite parts of the role, introducing young children to what an MP does. It’s always great to see how much enthusiasm they have.”

He still remembers a visit to his school from his local Worcestershire MP. “That was one of the first times I thought it would be nice to have that sort of role,” he said.

It was important for MPs to talk to visit schools, he added: “It’s important for the future of democracy that young people understand how parliament works and how an MP is there to represent people of all ages.”

Acting as compere for the morning assembly, the MP asked children to vote for their favourite out of three campaigns: for more school libraries; more school sport; or for financial education.

He used the example of school sport to explain how MPs and members of the House of Lords turn a campaign idea into a law.

Justin also announced the winners of the school council elections – inviting them to the front of the stage.

One winner, Liam, 9, said: “It felt amazing. I’ve never had anything like that before.”

The Year 5 pupil now has to come good on his hustings pledge. “I said I’d get more playground equipment – more things to play with,” he said. Asked if he’d manage it, he smiled: “I don’t know.”

His fellow Year 5 representative, Kyra, also 9, said her hustings pledge was to play with those left alone in the playground: “A lot of people feel lonely.”

For Klayson, 10, it is his second time on the school council. The Year 6 pupil, who one day hopes to be a professional boxer or footballer, said of walking up to the stage: “It was brilliant.”

Headteacher Phil Jacobs congratulated the student council winners: “The student council is really important in terms of the pupils feeling that they have ownership over how their school works.”

The Penhill headteacher thanked Justin Tomlinson for visiting the school: “Understanding how democracy works is an important life skill. Today has been a showcase for that.

“Children from our community can achieve anything and go anywhere.”