Tickhill pupils tell MP they have the power

Youngsters at Estfield School in Tickhill put Don Valley MP Caroline Flint through her paces when she paid them a visit.

Ms Flint, who is shadow energy and climate change secretary, was impressed by the children’s grasp of energy issues when she attended an assembly and a meeting of the school council.

She was asked about topics such as electric cars, recycling and how the school could save energy.

Ms Flint said: “The children’s enthusiasm and questions about all things energy took me by surprise. They had really investigated what I do in Parliament and thought up some great questions.

“The school council also wanted to discuss saving energy in school and their concern for their local environment also includes plans for a bug hotel to help insects survive over winter, which is good for birds come the spring.”

Headteacher Diane Risley said the visit was an enjoyable one for the pupils.

She said: “Our staff and pupils really enjoyed meeting Caroline. The pupils loved her stories from her school days and had some very interesting questions for Caroline to answer.

“She also gave the school council some food for thought with regards to beginning a project related to energy saving and climate change. When we have embarked on the project, we look forward to letting Caroline know how things are going.”