Pupils from Pentrepoeth Primary School got a taste of democracy yesterday as they debated policy in the Houses of Parliament.

The four pupils from year 6, Jasmin Sims, Maddie Conlan, Harry Bagwell and Owen Taylor, are the only Welsh pupils out of 12 primary schools taking part in the debate. The Bassaleg based pupils won a competition to attend the debate.

Gaynor Symes, year 6 teacher said: “Jasmin ran the whole thing herself - she found the competition and then as a class we all put forward topics for discussion.”

The pupils had to choose two questions to be submitted for the competition which included environmental issues and underage drinking.

Jasmine said: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity - none of us have ever been there before. When Harry found out he had been chosen to go he fell to the floor.”

The debate, organised by from First News, a newspaper aimed at young people, will be chaired by Baroness Betty Boothroyd, former speaker of the House of Commons which will see the pupils discuss environmental issues, Women MP’s and the arts.

Harry said: “Only one in a thousand people get to see the inside. We are all nervous but excited.”

This isn’t the first time someone in Jasmin’s family have won a competition with the paper for youngsters as her little brother George, 7, won the chance to meet footballer Jamie Redknapp last year. Jasmin said: “We do this thing called dripping instead of putting a our hands up in class. Someone stands up and gives their opinion and then the next person does it - I think this has really helped to develop our debating skills.”

The pupils will take part in a workshop before the main debate and will also have a tour of parliament.