PUPILS from schools across East Hampshire have taken charge at the district council as part of a national scheme where children get the opportunity to gain a valuable insight of the workplace.

Around 300 school children were given a tour of the council offices in Petersfield, and found out about the scores of services the council provides its residents daily.

Gill Kneller, chief executive, said: “East Hampshire District Council delivers over 100 different services every day to our residents.

“From planning to pollution and from bin collections to managing elections our teams handle a huge variety of work.

“National Takeover Day gives these young people a chance to see some of the things we do here and understand how local government influences their lives.

“Children are very proud of where they live. We have to make sure they carry that pride with them throughout their lives and events like this one are a great way of doing that.”

During their visits, pupils toured the offices and took part in special activities, such as holding debates in the council chamber and taking on a recycling challenge.