PUPILS from a Monmouthshire school took part in a lively debate on voting rights during a visit to County Hall in Usk.

Twenty-two Goytre Fawr primary schoolchildren between the ages of nine and 11 discussed whether children should have the right to vote at the age of 12.

The pupils are all members of the lunchtime debate club which started in April this year, an idea that came from the chairwoman of governors, Kathryn Edwards.

Ms Edwards worked for many years as a lawyer and took part in debating competitions during her time in school.

“I wanted to create similar special memories for these lovely young debaters too," said Ms Edwards.

The Goytre Fawr pupils, the first school to debate in the council chamber, prepared and practised in front of staff and their fellow pupils for weeks in advance.

Monmouthshire council's chief officer for children and young people Sarah McGuinness opened the debate and felt that all the pupils’ debating skills were "fantastic".

"There are some very promising and confident pupils here. I look forward to more schools coming to County Hall to debate in the Chamber," she said.

Goytre Fawr Ppimary head teacher, Nicola Sutherland hailed the debate as a "huge success" and believes the school's debate club will continue to get stronger.

She said: "The lunchtime Debate Club will carry on in September, offering our pupils the opportunity to develop their confidence as well as their oracy skills and I am sure it will go from strength to strength."