PUPILS at Buckland Newton Primary School took time to quiz West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin on politics and his life.

Year 6 children enjoyed a morning with Mr Letwin after he responded to their written requests for a visit.

Acting deputy headteacher Alison Chant explained: “The pupils wrote to Mr Letwin as part of our work on the General Election and he agreed to undertake a question and answer workshop with them.”

During the session with Mr Letwin the pupils asked a wide variety of questions to the local MP, which he described as ‘marvellous’.

He added: “The children, as always, were delightful.”

Mrs Chant said: “The questions encompassed all aspects of his life from ‘what could he tell us about David Cameron’ to ‘what was his favourite lesson at school?’”

The Buckland Newton school is committed to teaching about children’s rights and responsibilities in conjunction with Unicef.

The visit from Mr Letwin, who described the school as ‘lovely,’ was also used as an opportunity to celebrate the school’s association with the children’s charity.

During the morning, Mr Letwin took the time to present the school with a Level Two Rights Respecting School Award’s certificate.

Mr Letwin said: “The award shows and supports the children to think in an independent yet thoughtful way.”

Buckland Newton primary school is one of only four schools in Dorset to achieve this award.

Mrs Chant went on to explain: “The award celebrates our work on developing our pupils’ knowledge of cultural diversity, which is particularly important as our school is in rural Dorset.

“It also recognises the commitment of our teachers, staff, parents, governors and most importantly, our fantastic children.”