Our politicians and senior leaders were put through the ringer during half-term as a group of young people took over the council.

Kids from across the borough took the reins at the town hall, learning from officers and councillors what it is like to make big decisions.

They spent the week focusing on different challenges and coming up with new policies to solve issues like the cost of living and relationships with the police.

In a wide ranging week some wrote to their MP to lobby for an extension to free school meals, while others developed new ideas for encouraging more young people to take up a career in social care.

Cllr Matt Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This week was as much about the council learning from young people as it has been them learning from us.

“We debated everything from climate change to Tik Tok and it’s clear that our young people have got fantastic ideas about how we can tackle the tricky issues, and they’re not afraid to challenge us and challenge the status quo.

“It’s so important that we listen and learn from the next generation – they’re the ones who are going to inherit our communities and be our next leaders someday. I’m hope that for many, that journey started during the big takeover!

“Thank you to all the young people who spent their half-term with us – thanks for all your hard work and good ideas.”