LOCAL schoolchildren have met to discuss the future of their community.

Their views will play a part in the shaping of the re-launched West Somerset Strategic Partnership's community strategy.

The youngsters were taking part in a pupil parliament' which brings together students aged between eight and 16 from all 17 school in the district to debate local issues.

Tiina Huovinen, co-ordinator of event, said: "The pupils heard presentations about the aims of the partnership, waste issues, and from John Batt, Somerset County Council's youth participation officer.

"They held workshops to develop their own ideas which will be taken forward to help shape the partnership's strategy.

"They proved their opinions do matter and that they influence the future of their society and their community."

The partnership hopes to transform West Somerset into a vibrant, balanced, and sustainable community by 2020.

It aims to give local people opportunities to live and work locally, to be able to use their skills and innovation to develop businesses, or to have a choice to participate in the growing business opportunities of the wider region.

Pupil representatives attended from Cutcombe, Dunster, St Michaels Minehead, Old Cleeve, St Dubricius Porlock, Knights Templar Watchet, and St Peters Williton First Schools; Minehead and Danesfield Williton Middle Schools; and West Somerset Community College.