Children exercised their right to let their voices be heard to mark a UN convention.

This month marks the tenth birthday of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It states that every child has the right to be heard on issues which affect them by those who make decisions on their behalf.

John Mason School in Abingdon, which was among hundreds across the country marking the event, put Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, and county councillor Neil Fawcett under the spotlight at a children's surgery.

Thirty-six representatives from every class in the school asked questions on topics they felt strongly about. Topics ranged from issues such as Abingdon's traffic to the rejection of plans for a multiplex cinema, to national issues. Teacher Craig Thomas said: "The Millennium Dome proved a popular topic. I don't think the politicians were stumped at any point for an answer, but I do feel a particular issue close to the children's hearts could have been better answered."

The children had asked whether a pelican crossing would be installed outside their school to make it safer to get to school after their lollipop lady resigned.

Mr Fawcett suggested the pupils collect a petition to present to the county council, but would not commit himself further.

Mr Thomas said the day helped children understand the democratic process.

Delegates from the school are expected to be invited to workshops at Westminster in February next year, where children will be able to enter into debates with senior politicians.

Story date: Thursday 18 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.