TWO PUPILS have been praised for their professional behaviour and for organising a successful general election hustings event at a secondary school.

Queen Elizabeth High School students James Aitken and Ben Sanderson, both 17, were behind the event as they believed students' understanding and participation are vital in politics.

James Aitken said: "The hall was packed out with school councils and QE Sixth Form.

"I was really impressed with how involved students were, the great questions really kept the candidates on their toes. There is clearly a mood for change and young people want to shape the future, so I'm very pleased with the enthusiasm at our Hustings."

Ben Sanderson also adds: "The whole event was very enjoyable thanks to the wonderful questions asked by QEHS students. I hope this is a stepping stone to get more candidates into school in the run up to this vital election"

Parliamentary candidates from all parties agreed to attend except Reform UK, which has not selected a candidate for Hexham's constituency.

Joe Morris attended as Labour's candidate, Guy Opperman for the Conservative Party, Liberal Democrat candidate Nick Cott, William Clouston of the Social Democratic Party and Nick Morphet as the Green Party candidate.

Guy Opperman said: "It was a privilege to attend the election hustings at Queen Elizabeth High School. 

"It was an opportunity to set out my priorities for young people in Tynedale, including protecting our precious environment, investing in our local schools by giving school children the tools they need to get a good job and offering more local NHS services here in Northumberland. 

"My thanks go to pupils James Aitken and Ben Sanderson, who organised the event and ensured it ran professionally."

Labour Candidate Joe Morris said: "The students at QEHS gave me and all the other candidates a series of challenging and insightful questions. I was delighted so many of them decided to vote for me.

"I’m looking forward to attending other hustings events and speaking to more and more voters across the constituency about Labour’s positive vision to get our future back."