PUPILS from St Anne’s School acted as States members for the afternoon earlier this week. Year 10 students were invited to form their own parliament and debate issues that affected them.

Ten boys and two girls made up the States, while a president and greffier were chosen. Two more girls filled the press box to take notes and file a report on the event, which was attended by president Sir Norman Browse and five real States members: Peter Allen, Liz Bennett, Tony Llewellyn, Bill Walden and Richard Willmott.

The event was organised by greffier Sarah Kelly and Policy and Finance Committee chairman Mr Willmott, who received information about the forming of a youth parliament from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

During the event, the mock members debated whether there are enough facilities in the island for youngsters aged 14 to 18. Each had a say, with the majority stating that there wasn’t enough for teenagers to do and that a social centre with a bowling alley should be built. Following the debate it was decided a report into facilities should be compiled.

The pupils were then given an opportunity to quiz the States members in the audience.

Mr Walden answered a question about gravel being left on the road by building contractors and one about horse manure not being picked up by riders.

Mr Willmott then fielded a question about migrants working in the island. Afterwards, he explained how the event had come about.

‘The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association encourages people to hold youth parliaments, so we looked into holding one in the island,’ he said.

‘It’s very early days but this was very promising. I was impressed with the questions asked – they were all on subjects that affect the island.’

Mike Gaunt, head teacher of St Anne’s School, said: ‘I was very proud of the students. Standing up and speaking in public is not an easy thing to do.

‘Everyone spoke well and asked interesting questions. At the very least, this exercise will help students to understand the political process in Alderney.’

When addressing the pupils, Sir Norman said he hoped to see them there again in the future.

‘We don’t want you to come here again with it acting as a court but we hope you come again to a States meeting,’ he said.

‘It would be nice to see some of you here in the future as we are keen to get young people interested in politics. You should be interested – it will affect your life in the future.’