PUPILS were given a quickfire introduction to local government when they got the chance to grill councillors in a political speed dating event.

Like speed dating, councillors moved on every five minutes at Acton High School in Gunnersbury Lane.

But unlike singles looking for love, the politicians were courting pupils' future votes.

Councillors Brian Reeves, Shahbaz Ahmed, Patricia Walker and Chris Summers from the Labour Party were joined by David Millican, John Popham, Phil Taylor and Colm Costello from the Conservatives and Jon Ball and Harvey Rose from the Liberal Democrats.

The 14 to 16-year-olds covered a wide range of issues, from asking for views on their school to opinions on why the riots happened.

Afterwards the councillors gave feedback to the students on their questioning, while the students ranked them on approachability, listening skills, understanding of issues and the likelihood they would vote for them.

None of the councillors revealed their party until the end, after Colm Costello had won the vote

Although they may not have fallen in love with politics last Tuesday (11), the speed dating sessions helped the youngsters develop a deeper understanding of it.

Headteacher, Dr Andy Sievewright, said: "We appreciated the councillors giving their time to demonstrate the democratic process and to show our students their opinions are valued.

"The feedback from the councillors was extremely positive and I am delighted that they have enjoyed the interaction with our students."