Students from Abbey College in Ramsey were treated to a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament by MP Shailesh Vara.

The MP for North West Cambridgeshire also hosted a question and answer session during which the students had the opportunity to discuss with him issues such as the forthcoming EU referendum, future funding for Cambridgeshire schools and school transport.

As part of their visit, the students were taken on a guided tour of the parliament, sat in on debates taking place in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and took part in a quiz on the parliamentary system.

Mr Vara explained the role of an MP to the sixth formers and also spoke about his ministerial responsibilities at the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Abbey College student Jordan Kielty said: “This trip was an amazing experience, providing us with knowledge, independence and enjoyment. Personally, I learnt a huge amount about the government and parliament and more young people need to be aware of this as it really does affect us - whether we are aware of it or not.”