Plymtree Primary School pupils experience what its like to run the council.

A visit to East Devon District Council’s headquarters ticked all the boxes for a group of pupils from Plymtree Primary School.

The children joined pupils from across East Devon, including Musbury Primary School, to an open event at the Knowle in Sidmouth.

During the visit they were given the opportunity to see what it would be like to run the council.

The pupils learnt about food safety and took part in a mock-up of an unsuitable kitchen - complete with dead mouse.

East Devon District Council’s deputy chairman Councillor Frances Newth led a special debate with the children to discuss whether a planning application for a new development should be allowed in the district.

The schoolchildren also played a resources game with the waste management team and helped the council’s housing community development officers plan a community festival.