A KIDDERMINSTER pupil was invited to visit the Houses of Parliament as part of a Worcestershire Question Time competition.

Weronika Knopka, of King Charles I School, was one of four pupils from across the county to go on the trip which was organised by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s Children’s Speech and Language Therapy.

The competition was open to all schools in Worcestershire where children were asked to think of an original, appropriate, and well-formed question to ask their local MP.

Emma Jordan, service manager, said: “The competition aims to encourage school-aged children to develop their spoken communication skills.

“The ability to ask questions is a key ingredient for good communication skills, which in turns dramatically improves a child’s life chances.

“The prize of seeing an actual debate in the House of Commons was very appropriate as it is evidence of how important communication is in areas such as politics, and also how asking appropriate questions help us to understand information and shape the way our country is governed.”

As part of their prize, Weronika and the other winners met Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier at the Houses of Parliament where they got a chance to watch a debate from the public galleries.

Mr Garnier said: “It was such a pleasure to have the speech winners come and visit the Houses of Parliament with their parents.

“One of the greatest pleasures I have as an MP is hosting visitors who come to London to see the Houses of Parliament.

“The four winners were all such a delight and I am so pleased to have helped in a small way to help show what an achievement they have all made through their hard work.”

The winning questions included; How do the Government collect information for the Census from the homeless and travelling communities? What would you eat for your last meal? Starter, main course and desert? Why do we live on earth and not on other planets? and If you go to the seaside and put sea water into a bucket it is clear. But why is blue when you look at the ocean?

Monica Smith, speech and language therapist, said: “Mark Garnier MP was an excellent host and engaged us with lots of really interesting facts about both Houses.

“All the children were thrilled and a couple told me that they might considers politics as a future career.”