WITH a General Election on the horizon, students at a local school are learning about politics first hand. The first guest of government and politics students, together with pupils from the gifted and talented programme at St Columba s College in King Har

WITH a General Election on the horizon, students at a local school are learning about politics first hand.

The first guest of government and politics students, together with pupils from the gifted and talented programme at St Columba's College in King Harry Lane was St Albans MP Anne Main.

After a brief rundown of Mrs Main's career, she took questions from the boys which included the recent expenses scandal, local issues, Conservative party policy and the inner workings of the Houses of Parliament.

In coming weeks there will be visits from St Albans parliamentary candidate for the Lib-Dems Sandy Walkington and Labour MEP Richard Howitt.

Politics teacher Ross McKenzie said: "The experience of being able to question professional politicians is highly valuable to those who study politics and the social sciences.