MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff was in Droitwich Spa High School to encourage young people to take an active interest in politics, both locally and nationally.

His visit came ahead of a programme of back-to-school visits by councillors as part of a citizenship programme supported by Wychavon District Council.

For the last year the council has built up links with schools across the district. Community outreach officer Rob Mace has been visiting pupils of all ages to explain more about the role of local government and the services that Wychavon District Council provides for its taxpayers.

Droitwich Spa High School has welcomed the initiative and integrated it into the citizenship programmes it runs for years 10 and 11 pupils.

The sessions kicked off on Friday, January 13, when Rob and MP Peter Luff attended the school's assembly.

Mr Luff said: "As ever when I visit schools, which I do as often as possible, I found the students really engaged with political issues. They may be less interested in the political parties than in the past, but they are more interested in the issues than ever before.

"During the assembly and afterwards I was asked about terrorism, the controversy about sex offenders being allowed to work in schools, how to engage young people in the political process and even the future of the Conservative party.

"My message to them was simple - the world will largely be shaped by the decisions of politicians, so they must get involved. I hope each and every one of them will go out and vote at the next General Election, whoever they vote for."