A local MP dropped into a school close to his home to talk to children about what his job involves and how it relates to their lives.

Oliver Dowden, MP for Hertsmere, who lives in St Albans visited Bernards Heath Infants and Nursery School in Sandridge Road where he spoke to an assembly and then joined the school council in a vote about how to ensure safe parking around the premises.

Mr Dowden showed the children photos of the House of Common and talked about his job, giving them examples of what he had to do and how it equated with decisions in their own lives.

He also told them that if they wanted to be an MP they would need to speak in a loud clear voice, listen to people and think of good iddas.

Deputy head, Lottie Woolfson, said the children had been very excited to welcome Mr Dowden to the school and he had made the requirements of an MP’s job seem real to them.