MORE than 300 keen students at John Bentley School in Calne grilled eight brave local politicians at the school's first JBS Question Time.

The panel was made up of Calne Mayor, Coun Glenis Ansell, and included deputy mayor Coun Robert Merrick along with Ian Thorn, David Conway, Jeanette Young, Jon Fisher and Declan Boore.

The range of questions addressed issues such as homelessness, pot holes, and the lack of facilities for young people in Calne and the surrounding area. The students listened intently and demonstrated a keen interest in the responses of the panel, which provided a rare insight into the role of local government, with members answering each question in detail.

"It is fair to say that the panel engaged with their audience effectively, treating them like the future voters they will one day become," said principal Jason Tudor. "This event is an example of the vibrant JBS culture where discussions about local, national and international issues are central to helping young people understand the world around them. The school promotes the values of respect, resilience and responsibility in every aspect of school life and the students were a real credit to themselves and their community. One student asked whether he could one day become Mayor and judging by their leadership passion and maturity, it is clear that there are many future leaders at JBS with a vision to moving our community forward."