SCHOOLS across Tynedale are raising awareness of what democracy means, and how people can get involved.

County and local councillors in Northumberland are taking part in interactive sessions with school pupils from Bellingham Middle School, Hexham Middle School and Highfield Middle School.

The sessions are taking place at County Hall in Morpeth and at schools to mark European Local Democracy Week, from October 14 to October 20.

The sessions aim to raise young people’s awareness of how local councils work and how they can get involved in decision making in their local communities.

Students aged from 11 to 18 will see presentations about democracy and how councils work, and take part in workshops where they will explore themes around how to gain trust, and accountability.

Each session will end with a ‘question time’ with a panel formed from county and local councillors – where the young people will be able to ask questions about council services, elections and other issues relating to local democracy.

Councillor Richard Dodd, business chairman of Northumberland County Council, said: “Local Democracy Week is a great way of engaging young people in local politics. It’s also a really good way for them to see where the big decisions are made which affect their local communities.

“These events will hopefully encourage young people to voice their opinions on things that interest or affect them and will help them to understand the role of the council and of local and county councillors.

“I’m sure we’ll have some fantastic questions from the students and it will be great to see them enthusiastic to get involved in local issues.”