YOUNGSTERS from across the borough got a chance to have their say on hot topics when they gave local councillors a grilling at the Town Hall. Representatives of school councils from 10 first and primary schools in and around Great Yarmouth attended a debate in the council chamber last Tuesday, while on Wednesday it was the turn of pupils from local primary and middle schools.

YOUNGSTERS from across the borough got a chance to have their say on hot topics when they gave local councillors a grilling at the Town Hall.

Representatives of school councils from 10 first and primary schools in and around Great Yarmouth attended a debate in the council chamber last Tuesday, while on Wednesday it was the turn of pupils from local primary and middle schools.

Issues debated included the future of the Marina Centre - with the majority wanting it to stay in its current position but be updated.

Brief reports were given on what school councils had been doing recently.

The meeting on Tuesday was chaired by Jasmine Gibbs and the vote of thanks was given by Kieran Lee, both pupils at Northgate St Andrew's First School.

In the hot seat on Wednesday was Megan Bromley, from St Nicholas Priory Middle school. Fellow pupil Luke Self gave the vote of thanks.

Councillors presenting included mayor Terry Easter, leader of the borough council Barry Coleman, councillor Graham Plant and Wayne Nixon, manager of the Marina Centre.

Chris Skinner, the council's head of legal services, explained to pupils how the council worked and compared its role to that of school councils. And pupils also got a tour of the Town Hall and asked the mayor questions.

It is hoped the debate, organised by Laura Goodman mayor and civic events co-ordinator and Yarmouth Excellence Cluster, will become an annual event.