TWO Ceredigion school pupils visited Westminster recently to get an insight into life as an MP.

Aled Lewis, a pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron and Ceredigion’s representative in the UK Youth Parliament, and Ifan Meredith, an Ysgol Bro Pedr pupil and chairman of Ceredigion Youth Council, travelled to London on June 13 to meet Ceredigion MP Ben Lake.

During their visit, the MP gave them a tour around Westminster and there was a question-and-answer session, as well as a chance to meet staff and other MPS.

The pair also sat in the viewing gallery and listened to debates happening in the chamber.

Aled said: “I am grateful for such an amazing and inspiring opportunity to gain an insight into the work life of a Member of Parliament as well as to learn about the history of Westminster and to see a debate first hand.”

Ifan added: “It was a pleasure to meet Ben Lake in Parliament whilst it was in session as well as travelling around buildings of political significance in Whitehall and Downing Street.

"I enjoyed seeing how parliamentary business works behind the scenes and MPs jobs outside the chamber.”

Gwion Bowen, Ceredigion Youth Service’s children and young people’s participation officer, said: “We are extremely grateful to Ben Lake and his office for allowing us such a great opportunity once again this year.

“We enjoyed travelling to London and spent the afternoon with Ben, exploring ‘behind the scenes’ of the Westminster Parliamentary estate, and learning more about the role of MPs and their work.

“The young people were inspired by the opportunity, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Cllr Wyn Thomas, cabinet member for schools, lifelong learning and skills, said: “It is vitally important that young people are given the opportunity to engage and take part in the political process.

"This is one of many ways that we can support that engagement, and we are grateful to our local MP Ben Lake for his ongoing support and enabling young people to have these opportunities.”

The visit was part of an opportunity for young people to learn about the history of the Palace of Westminster, the work of the UK Parliament and how the various spaces are used and to get young people involved in the democratic process.