Full council meetings at Wiltshire Council will be broadcast live on the internet for the first time from next week.

A spokesman said this will help enhance the transparency with which the council makes its decisions, and also ensure as many people as possible can take part in decision making.

Members of the public will be able to gain a real-time glimpse at democracy in action as councillors discuss issues that affect their communities.

People will be able to view meetings live or at a time and place convenient to them up to six months online after the event.

Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott said: "Making our meetings more accessible to people is very important to us and we are delighted to be able to announce our new webcasting broadcasts during local democracy week, as we think it is an important new channel to help us reach people in a new way."

As part of Local Democracy Week the council is also engaging future voters by putting together a resource pack to help children understand how their local councillors make difficult financial decisions.

Children will learn, through discussion and role play, how best to use scarce financial resources as they debate the merits of the different projects and vote to decide which should be funded and which should not. Teachers can also have fun being a heckling member of the public who asks difficult questions.

Schools are being encouraged to visit the council to see democracy in action, or let the council know if they would like someone from the council to visit them.

Information packs have been sent to all primary schools in Wiltshire.

To view the webcast at 11am on October 21 go to www.wiltshire.public-i.tv