STRETFORD and Urmston MP Kate Green welcomed two schoolchildren to take over her constituency office.

It was part of the Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Challenge, a national event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England which puts children and young people into decision-making roles.

Children and young people work with many different organisations during the day, including businesses, schools, police and fire services, newspapers, charities and Government departments.

Charlie Ward and Megan Wilkinson, both in year 11 at Lostock College in Stretford, ran Kate’s constituency office and shadowed her on her visits in Urmston, on November 20.

These included a visit to Urmston Junior School to mark Parliament Week, when Parliament makes a special effort to explain its work to local communities.

Kate said: “I was really pleased to take part in the Children's Commissioner Takeover Challenge.

“Charlie and Megan were a breath of fresh air and really got stuck in to the work an MP does. They were a real credit to their school and I hope they enjoyed the day as much as we did.

"My team and I loved having them in the office and we'll certainly be taking part next year."

Charlie said, “Today has really been educational. I have learnt a lot about Labour which I didn’t know before. I have enjoyed today as I’ve had an insight on what they do at the office and what Kate really does.”

Megan said, “I really enjoyed today because it has been really educational and fun to get to be able to see what Kate really does and to learn more about her party than I never knew before. I enjoyed being able to see how a successful MP’s office works.”

Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said, “We can all benefit from getting involved in Takeover Challenge. Children and young people bring fresh ideas, imagination and energy to the roles they take over, and they challenge stereotypes about them that we hear too often.

“Takeover Challenge gets people to work differently and helps individuals and organisations to understand the needs of children and young people.”