Solicitor General Oliver Heald spoke to sixth formers and then took a question and answer session when he was invited to a Harpenden school.

Mr Heald, who is also MP for North East Herts, was the guest of honour at St George’s School for the sixth form’s Friday 5 programme which gives students an opportunity to hear from a wide range of speakers of note and substance.

Speaking to more than 300 sixth form students in the school chapel, Mr Heald explained the roles and responsibilities of the Solicitor General and shared some of the life experiences that had brought him to where he was.

He then took questions for over an hour in the school’s Old Library where sixth formers were joined by students from Years 10 and 11 for the question and answer session. Deputy Head of Sixth Form Sally Priestland said: “The students gained a great deal from the experience and demonstrated a keen interest through their intelligent and challenging questions, which ranged from issues such as the current situation in the Crimea, same sex marriages and cuts to legal aid.”