DEPUTY prime minister Nick Clegg surprised sixth form students at the Usk Way campus of the University of South Wales this afternoon.

Pupils from Duffryn High School were among those gathered for a model NATO Summit.

Mr Clegg took time off from the real NATO summit to be grilled by the students during a question and answer session.

He told those assembled that this was a critical time in world affairs, saying he "not remember a time when I thought there was more dry tinder lying around that could catch light at any particular moment".

Six students from Duffryn aged between 16 and 18 thought they were coming to hear a speech by a local politician such as the mayor - and were surprised when Mr Clegg walked in.

Abi Carver, 16, said: "I thought, 'Oh my god. I think it's Nick Clegg."

Bronwyn Satterly, 17, said: "For him to come here it's quite an honour."

Joshim Rahman, 18, said Mr Clegg's answers were polished: "He really thought about what he was going to say."

Mr Clegg fielded questions on defence spending by NATO member countries, the approach to Ukraine and Iraq and the role of NATO in a rapidly changing world.

He said military action by NATO in Ukraine was not on the table at the summit.

After his speech, Mr Clegg also revealed he thought Newport was "fantastic. I was actually in this very building [the university] just a few months ago and I will no doubt be back again very soon.

[The Celtic Manor] is an amazing conference centre and hotel. To see the tennis court sized Welsh flag flying above the summit should make everybody in Wales very proud.

"I have been telling all the delegates the weather is always like this and I hope that will ensure they come back over and over again in future."

But he added he had not seen a copy of the Argus this morning at the Summit, although he said: "I'm sure they are there and being very well read."

A model NATO summit is currently underway at the University of South Wales where almost 100 sixth formers from around the UK are discussing the issues being considered at the summit at the Celtic Manor.