PUPILS from Tedburn St Mary Primary School have had the chance to meet Sir Mel Stride MP during a visit to the Houses of Parliament.

Year five and six students in Oak Class met the Conservative Central Devon MP and Shadow Chancellor in the Parliament Education Centre after a lesson on parliamentary history and procedure.

Sir Mel asked them questions about their visit and said he was “extremely impressed” by their “breadth and depth of knowledge about Parliament and UK democratic history”.

The pupils were in London for a three-day school trip. They also enjoyed a tour of the House of Commons and House of Lords, a visit to the Tower of London, a cruise on the River Thames, a go on the London Eye, a trip to the theatre to see Matilda, and taking in the sights of Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.

“I was delighted to meet the brilliant pupils of Tedburn St Mary’s Oak Class,” said Sir Mel.

“Tedburn St Mary is a fantastic school, and it was clear from my questions that the students all have a great range of knowledge – a testament to their teachers and parents.

“I was also thrilled to hear about their comprehensive trip to London, it is a credit to the school and teachers who organised it.”

Other schools in Devon can take advantage of free educational visits to Parliament.

They are available for UK students aged seven to 18. The visits include a curricula-linked workshop or immersive film experience in the education centre and a tour of the Palace of Westminster.

They can be booked online or through contacting Sir Mel Stride MP by telephoning 020 7219 7037 or emailing [email protected].

Sir Mel was awarded a knighthood in April for political and public service.