SENIOR pupils at St Nicholas’ School in Church Crookham enjoyed putting topical questions to their MP, Ranil Jayawardena.

Mr Jayawardena, Conservative MP for North East Hampshire, held an hour-long surgery at the school.

He talked about becoming an MP and life in parliament, and discussed his early interest in politics and his role as a local councillor.

Mr Jayawardena encouraged the girls to be involved in politics as a way to make things happen and bring about change.

He also spoke about the need for a strong economy, the security of the country and the importance of education.

Pupils from years 10 and 11 asked Mr Jayawardena probing questions ranging from the setting up of school academies, defence spending and the refugee crisis to preventing radicalisation and the threat of IS.

Mr Jayawardena said: “I had a wonderful time visiting St Nicholas’ School for a Q&A session with the pupils. I was very impressed with their eloquent and insightful questions on a range of issues, and I look forward to visiting the school again in the future.”