A PRIMARY school 'parliament' visited their town Mayor to learn about local government.

Pupils from Hillside First School quizzed Councillor Toni Coombs, Mayor of Verwood, who confessed that her favourite fish was a ‘clownfish’.

Mayor Coombs also offered the school £250 from her fund to buy litter pickers, sports equipment or books. The children voted for books.

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Headteacher Dave Graves said: “Our parliament has a Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and chairperson and they learned a great deal by visiting the mayor.

“She explained how things work on a town council and took their questions in good spirit.

“The mayor also spoke about what she and the council had done for the town, including raising money for the skate facilities at Potterne Park."

Mr Graves said the "incredibly generous" donation would be spent on books for the library.

Salisbury Journal: Tommy Lawes wearing the robes of office - and The Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Toni Coombs.Tommy Lawes wearing the robes of office - and The Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Toni Coombs. (Image: Deep South Media)

Mayor Coombs said afterwards: “It was great to have the school’s parliament visit us and I think it’s important for children to learn how local democracy works.

“They asked some very good questions and were really interested in how the council operates and what we do.

“Maybe one day some of the children will be elected themselves onto the council.”

Hillside First School is part of Initio Learning Trust whose chief executive officer Liz West, said: “What a wonderful way to learn.

“At our schools we encourage as much real-life learning outside the classroom as we can, and this helps prepare children far better for their lives.”