STUDENTS at Nelson and Colne College were given some expert advice on politics when Gordon Prentice visited.

The, MP for Pendle spoke to the first year students, aiming for a National Diploma in Public Service, about the reality of politics and discussed his career.

The students debated Mr Prentice’s idea to adopt a Graduated Driving Licence Scheme for new drivers, which would mean that young people would have to prove their skills in stages before being granted a full licence.

Other topics included the problem of boarded-up houses, public transport to small villages, the Educatio-nal Maintenance Allowance and the current economic recession.

Mr Prentice said “I enjoyed talking to the students and hearing their views.”

In particular it was very helpful to know how they felt about graduated driving licences.”

Last month the students participated in a Halloween themed mock election.

As part of the project, pupils came up with their own party name, a slogan and policies to try to persuade other students to vote for them.

And the winners were presented with a prize by Mr Prentice.