Linslade Middle School and Parkfields School in Dunstable shared joint first place in the first ever Central Bedfordshire Middle School Challenge held in the council chamber at Priory House, Chicksands.

They were closely followed by Gilbert Inglefield School from Leighton in second place and Streetfield Middle School in third place.

Over 80 young people from across south and mid Beds took part in the event, learning about local democracy and politics. Nine schools competed against one another in five different challenges testing their knowledge of how local councils work. Activities were headed: a local democracy quiz, blockbuster game show, call my bluff, desert island and turning opinion into action.

Katy Stafferton, Youth Participation Officer at Mid Beds District Council said: "It was great to see so many schools involved in this year's Central Beds Middle School Challenge and to see so many young people interested in local democracy and politics at such a young age.

"All of the challenges gave the young people a chance to see how local democracy works in Bedfordshire and the ways in which they can have their say and make a difference. This could be their first step to getting involved in their future".