RAYLEIGH and Wickford MP Mark Francois paid a visit to Ashingdon Primary Academy where he was quizzed on his role as a MP by members of the school council.

Mr Francois was put through his paces by representatives from each class across the school and questions varied from why he became an MP, through the hours that he works and whether he had met any famous people.

The school is preparing to elect next year’s school councillors and the budding candidates explained why they would like to seek office.

Mr Francois said: “It is good to see that democracy is alive and well at Ashingdon Primary Academy and that quite a number of children came forward, wanting to be elected to represent their classmates. It’s good to see young people so interested.”