THREE prospective members of parliament faced their toughest challenge yet when they were put on the spot and quizzed by students from across Chippenham as they took part in a hustings.

Michelle Donelan from the Conservatives, Andy Newman from Labour and Helen Belcher from the Liberal Democrats were all in attendance at Sheldon School where they faced stern questioning on what they would do if elected.

More than 200 pupils from Sheldon, as well as Hardenhuish and Abbeyfield schools, joined the debate along with members of staff.

Toby Shirazian, a Year 12 student at Sheldon who organised the event, said: “I think it went really well, the audience were engaged and it wasn’t just a Q and A, they did debate with each other.

“I wanted the Year 13s who did attend to have the opportunity to hear the candidates and see the different parties.

“I think it’s important that people are engaged with politics, that they get involved with democracy, register to vote when their 16 and sign petitions.”

The prospective MPs faced a number of questions from students and staff, including what their first priority would be for Chippenham, their aims for education, as well as wider issues such as the NHS and environment.

“We got down to the nitty-gritty and the candidates didn’t know any of the questions which was important to me and it did put them on the spot,” said 17-year-old, Toby.

“I think people found it important and got lots of information from it.”

Voting for the General Election will take place on June 8 where one of the three prospective candidates will become MP for Chippenham.

Headteacher at Sheldon School, Neil Spurdell, said: “I thought it was a roaring success and really well organised by Toby.

“I think it’s hugely important that young people get exposure to event like this.

“A large proportion of our Year 13 pupils will be voting and lower down the school they will be voting one day so to engage them in politics and the running of our country is massively important.”