Youngsters in Swaffham will be able to put those who make the decisions which affect their lives in the hot seat at a special question and answer session next week.

Youngsters in Swaffham will be able to put those who make the decisions which affect their lives in the hot seat at a special question and answer session next week. The Question Time event will see representatives from Norfolk police, Norfolk County Council's children's services, the UK Youth Parliament and district and county councillors face questions from those aged between 11 and 19 who live in and around Swaffham.

Pupils from schools in the area have been invited to send in their questions prior to the event and the services provided for young people in the town look set to be a hot topic for discussion.

The event, which has been organised as part of this year's local democracy week, will also tackle the issues of education, employment and training and crime.

Sally Palmer, a front line youth worker with the county council who has organised the evening, said young people in Swaffham had already shown great enthusiasm for the event, with many offering to help out.

She said: “I broached the idea with the Iceni Partnership and they thought it was good. When we spoke to the young people they were really up for it.

“It is about building bridges and getting to know young people's issues and needs.

“The idea is that we become more aware about what the issues for young people are and it will enable the panel to have a bit more of an idea about what young people are feeling.

“We have ideas about what they want but this will get young people to tap in and become involved.”

The evening takes place in Swaffham Community Centre on October 15 between 7pm and 9pm. Entry is free and the Youth Café will be open afterwards for refreshments.

For more information contact Sally Palmer on 07795 302373.