YOUNG people debated the question being asked in schools up and down the country as part of their learning about the democratic process.

Pupils at Beaumont Primary School have been marking National UK Parliament Week with an array of activities, including whether the school uniform should be scrapped in favour of pupils wearing their own clothes.

The Bolton News:

Headteacher Stacey Postle said: "The pupils spent time in their classes debating whether school uniform should be worn at Beaumont or replaced with the children’s own clothes.

" This culminated into a special ‘Big Beaumont Debate’ where nominated spokespersons across school acted as MPs­— under the guidance of their very own House of Commons Speaker, Alex Chadwick ­— and debated the children’s views in front of the whole school.

"It was a mixed response when the votes came in but the majority of children were in favour of keeping the current school uniform as it was ‘comfortable’, ‘practical’ and ‘made you feel part of the Beaumont Family’."

The week was launched by Chris Green, prospective parliamentary candidate for Bolton West, who spoke about the forthcoming General Election and answered questions from pupils.

He helped judge a competition ­— 'The Great Beaumont Bake Off' in which parents and children joined together to bake an array of sweet delights with a British and Parliament theme.

Bethany Crooks, Khadijah Jiva and the Badat family won three £10 book tokens.

Mrs Postle said: "Children across school also created artwork in a range of media, depicting iconic images of Parliament, that contributed to a whole school Parliament display."

UK Parliament Week is an annual festival that engages people from across the UK with their UK Parliament, explores what it means to them and empowers them to get involved.

Schools up and down the country were involved in the week.