CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has praised local organisations in his constituency for engaging with UK Parliament Week and is urging young people in his constituency to check out a local event, watch Prime Ministers Questions or just have a chat with a friend about a political issue that matters to them.

UK Parliament Week ran from November 13-17.

It is an annual festival that engages people from across the UK with Parliament. More than 4,500 organisations have been taking part in a range of activities, workshops and discussions as well as events with MPs and members of the House of Lords.

Mr Stride said: “Our democracy is strengthened whenever someone is inspired to take an interest in politics, particularly at a young age.

"It is great to see many local organisations getting involved across Central Devon including Hatherleigh and Lapford Primary Schools, the First South Zeal Brownies, First Buckfastleigh Guides, Second Bovey Tracey Guides and Friends of Ashburton Library.

"Attending events is not for everyone and getting involved could have been as simple as tuning in for Prime Minister’s Questions at midday on a Wednesday or having a chat with a friend about politics.”

During his time as an MP Mr Stride has hosted visits from a dozen local primary schools to Westminster to help instil an interest in politics at an early age. Any teacher thinking of organising a class trip should ring his Parliamentary office on 0207 219 7037.

Information on individual trips to Parliament can be found at: www.parliament.uk/visiting .

Alan Quick