Council leader goes back to school

IT was back to school for Uttlesford District Council Leader Mark Gayler when he visited pupils at Great Dunmow Primary School. Cllr Gayler spent Friday afternoon talking to pupils aged between seven and eight about the importance of people having their s

IT was back to school for Uttlesford District Council Leader Mark Gayler when he visited pupils at Great Dunmow Primary School.

Cllr Gayler spent Friday afternoon talking to pupils aged between seven and eight about the importance of people having their say in their own community.

The invitation came from Year 3 teacher Helen Andrews, who said: "The children have been introduced to the idea of democracy and electorate through the school council but I thought they also needed to see this on a larger scale such as meeting Cllr Gayler who can explain his role within the area.

"The two one-hour sessions form part of our Personal, Social and Health Education curriculum.

Cllr Gayler said: "It's always inspirational to meet the voters of tomorrow. Democracy is a vital part of our community and it's never too early to learn the importance of having a say."

Mrs Andrews said the children found the talk very interesting and asked Cllr Gayler many questions about improving Dunmow as well as the Stansted Airport expansion.

Emma Norris, a pupil at Helena Romanes School and member of Essex Youth Forum also spoke to pupils about having their say in the community even without being old enough to vote.