KIDDERMINSTER schoolchildren tackled the town's Mayor on homelessness as part of their school project.

Year three pupils from the Knoll School visited Weavers Wharf and the Carpet Museum, as well as taking a trip to Kidderminster Town Hall to meet outgoing Mayor, Councillor Rose Bishop, on her last day in the role, as part of their topic ‘Knowing Kidderminster’.

Their first destination of the day was Weavers Wharf where they met manager, Jackie Roberts, who told the children about the history of the area and how the economy, population and employment had changed over the last 200 years, including the carpet industry.

The next stop for the students was Kidderminster Town Hall where they interviewed Cllr Bishop on her last day in office.

Pam Batta, teacher at the Knoll School, said: “We had arranged the interview specifically to find out if there was an issue of homelessness in Kidderminster, to tie in with our literacy, based around our class reading book, Mr Stink.

“The children have really been enthused about their reading since I introduced the concept of shared and guided reading at the Knoll. Year three almost brought Mr Stink to life as a real character by constantly discussing his antics and empathising with his situation.

“The Mayor spoke at length about her chosen charity Nightstop and other organisations, when the children asked about help available for people like Mr Stink in Kidderminster. They were also eager to know how they as citizens of Kidderminster could help to make their town a better place.”

The pupils had tour of the town hall, visiting the parlour, the old courtroom and the council chamber, as well as seeing the original Penny Black stamp.

Their last visit of the day was to the Carpet Museum, where they learnt more about the history and workings of the carpet industry in Kidderminster – and why and how the Shuttle newspaper got its name.