YOUNGSTERS in Swindon were honoured by visits from leading MPs yesterday, ahead of next month's local elections.

Children at Oaktree Primary, who ran the length of the London Marathon in their lunch breaks, were congratulated by health minister Ben Bradshaw and Swindon South MP Anne Snelgrove.

Meanwhile, students at the Stepping Forward facility for vulnerable youngsters saw shadow housing minister Grant Shapps drop in for a chat.

Oaktree pupils Shauna Wilson and Kaya Gould, both 11, received awards from Mr Bradshaw for running 53km over a two-month period in their break times.

Year Six pupils also received certificates for taking part in the marathon run.

"It's really nice to win the award because it's the first one I've ever won," said Shauna.

"I didn't really think of myself as sporty before this."

Kaya said: "I think this is something other schools should do because it's something different and fun to do in the break times.

"I really like sport and I've won awards for gymnastics and dance."

Mr Bradshaw said: "Initiatives like these are really important to inspire young people to keep healthy and get regular exercise.

"The fight against obesity is an extremely important one and it was really encouraging that when I asked the children about what was important for a healthy lifestyle they all knew the importance of exercise and a good diet."

Conservative MP Mr Shapps said that he was impressed by the attitude of young people at Stepping Forward, in Whitbourne Avenue.

He said: "I've come here because I've heard about the great work going on.

"When I asked these children if they enjoyed being here it was really nice to hear them say that they were happy.

"These are young people who have challenging circumstances and it's clear that it's doing them a lot of good to be here.

"The organisers are doing a great job and it's a shame that they have to spend so much of their time trying to get funding instead of devoting all their time to educating these young people."