PUPILS in Winsford became councillors for a day as they took part in the town’s ‘Big School Debate’.

Wharton, Oaklands, Oak View, High Street, Willow Wood, St Joseph's, Darnhall and Over Hall pupils joined Winsford town councillors and staff in the Cheshire West and Chester Council chamber.

Their debate focused on the issue of wildflower meadows and whether they should be planted on town council land and parks.

Those present talked about the pros and cons of wildflower meadows.

Head boy Caleb Smallwood and head girl Millie Douglas from Oak View represented the Whitby's Lane school.

Helen Bebbington, headteacher at Oak View, said: "This was a valuable opportunity for our pupils to make their voices heard, and it made us very proud that they were able to speak publicly with confidence and authority.

"It is important for children to have strong beliefs and values, and these events are a chance to express their opinions.”

The Big School Debate was organised by Winsford Education Partnership, a group of 13 schools that work collaboratively to enhance the learning, wellbeing and opportunities for local children and families.

Natasha Mulholland, deputy head of Darnhall Primary School said: “Visiting the town council provided the children with a fantastic opportunity to develop their understanding of democracy.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the process involved in debating a particular issue - collaboratively discussing the benefits of planting wildflowers within the town and possible problems which may arise linked to this.

“They listened respectfully to the opinions of others, as well sharing views of their own, before voting at the close of the meeting.

“The children gained great experience from this and came away feeling eager to participate in future projects and decision making linked to our town.”

In the end, it was a unanimous decision from the children to propose the planting of more wildflower meadows in the town.

This decision will now go to the actual Winsford Town Council meeting on March 20 for final approval.

Town Mayor Cllr Joanne Moorcroft, added: “Thank you to the schoolchildren from across Winsford who attended the Big School Debate.

“It was a privilege to be there and hear what was important to children in their own words.”