HEAD prefect Laura Watson is to swap her school desk for a look behind the scenes at the seat of the world's leading political power.

Laura, 15, of Lower Parrock Road, Barrowford, has been chosen to represent England at the National Young Leaders' Conference in Washington DC, USA.

She will join other young people from across the world in a unique opportunity to see how American politics work.

Among previous speakers to the conference are Batman actor Michael Keaton, US Attorney General Janet Remo and politician Jesse Jackson.

Laura, who is head prefect at Walton High School, Nelson, was nominated for the honour by her teachers. She will fly out to the US capital at the end of October for a week of high-level meetings and tours of the city's famous landmarks.

"I'm very proud to be taking part in the conference," said Laura, who is hoping to make a career in the world of diplomacy. "It will be quite a good opportunity and something that will help me in the future.

"We'll get to see how American politics works and get to meet some high-ranking government officials."

Laura is a keen member of Nelson Swimming Club and enjoys sport in general. She also enjoys drama at school.

She lives with her parents, Phil and Belinda, and brothers Philip, 13, and Laurence, 11, who are also pupils at Walton.

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