Pictured in the Council Chamber are children from Parkview Special School with the Mayor, CLLr James Tinsley, their teacher Ms Alison Jones and Classroom Assistants. US1608-102A0 Picture By: Aidan O'Reilly

CHILDREN from Parkview Special School got to experience life as a politician last week when they spent the day with the Mayor on a visit to the Council Chamber as part of the annual Mayor's primary school visits.

Parkview was chosen alongside another 11 primary schools by the Mayor to take part in this programme of visits and the children were delighted to visit as many of they youngsters were at the Lagan Valley Island Centre for the first time.

The Mayor, CIIr James Tinsley, said it was a pleasure to welcome them. "This programme of visits is about embracing all the primary school children of the area. Even though this visit is only for a few hours, it gives the children an opportunity to step outside the classroom and experience something quite different and exciting.

"It was lovely to meet the children and get an understanding of their needs, as well as showing them around the Council facilities."

Ms Alison Jones, teacher at Parkview, said they were delighted to be invited along by the Mayor.

"Both the staff and the children have been very excited about this visit. Most of the children have not been at Lagan Valley Island before and have certainly never been in the Council Chamber.

"They loved meeting the Mayor and getting to feel like real politicians sitting in the elected members' seats. Visits like this enhance the children's life experiences and I am sure that they will remember this day for quite some time. I would like to thank the Mayor for inviting us along and making us feel so very welcome."

stacey.heaney@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
18/04/2008