PUPILS from more than 46 local primary schools took part in this year’s Junior Democracy Debate at St Helens Town Hall They put forward their own ideas on how to help keep everyone safe in their schools and communities.

The debates were chaired by William Haw from Rainford High Technology College and Poppy Wilkes from Hope Academy.

Leading councillors, including Mayor of St Helens councillor Andy Bowden, helped to oversee the debates and voting.

The children created a lively debate and spoke out about the importance of learning and voting as well as other issues.

Ideas that came out of the debate included; creating internet fun days to promote e-safety through games and activities, and creating ‘Bully Buster’ CDs intended to hit back at bullies through music and song.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools and Lifelong Councillor Sue Murphy said: “It was great to see all these Year Five pupils taking such a mature and responsible approach to the debates – working together to come up with measured, constructive solutions.”