PUPILS grilled West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin on his party's education policy.

Mr Letwin, the shadow chancellor, visited St Mary's Middle School in Puddletown at the invitation of the school council.

The council, a group of 16 pupils, asked Mr Letwin to visit so that they could quiz him on what a Conservative government would do for schools.

Headteacher David Powell said after a guided tour Mr Letwin sat down to answer questions from council members.

Topics ranged from what made him want to become an MP to how more young people can become involved in politics.

The council also told the MP of their worries over the lack of adult supervision on school buses - an issue he promised to investigate.

Mr Powell said the visit had been a great success and demonstrated the value the school placed on listening to its pupils.

He said: "It is by providing opportunities to regularly listen to pupils and other stakeholders in our school that we pick up issues and ideas that can make an impact.

"I am very proud of the council for taking such a bold initiative and inviting Mr Letwin to visit.

"They are excellent ambassadors of an excellent school."