CHILDREN were fascinated to discover how local democracy works.

School councils from Beechwood and Hill View Primary Schools were given a guided tour of Runcorn Town Hall by the Mayor of Halton.

They were shown paintings, silver and glassware, presented from visiting dignitaries and sat in the council chamber where local politicians make crucial decisions.

The Mayor, Clr Margaret Ratcliffe, said: “The children thoroughly enjoyed it. It is great to bring history alive.

“I explained how the council worked in language they could understand. They were very interested to hear about people who used to live in the Town Hall when it was a house. I told them about the secret places and that there was a ghost. They loved that.”

She explained that the mayoral chain was first donated in 1892.

Clr Ratcliffe added: “They asked me if I lived in a big house and had servants. When I asked if any of them wanted to be Mayor, they all put their hands up.

“I think we’ve got some future politicians in the making.”

Clr Ratcliffe will now return the favour and visit pupils in their classrooms to find out how their school councils operate.