Pupils from Abbots Hall Primary School went along to the council's offices, in Milton Road South, for a 'mock' town council meeting to discuss local issues affecting the area.

The eight and nine-year-olds met town mayor Frank Whittle and were each given an agenda of items to be discussed during the meeting.

Eddie Hepper, deputy headteacher at the school, said: "This was a big step forward for everyone – consulting with youngsters of this age to find out what they think of local issues and how they want to see Stowmarket in the future. The pupils were very realistic with their comments which was really encouraging. The council set it up really well and it gave the children a really good idea of how local democracy works."

Issues discussed included the abolition of middle schools in Suffolk, controls over feeding ducks in the town and the regeneration of Stowmarket.

Sue Leedham, who works at the town council, said: "One thing all the children wanted to see was more sports and leisure facilities in the town. They took to it all really well and maybe we might have some future town councillors in our midst."

The council is now encouraging other schools to take part, with Combs Ford Primary visiting them next month.

Town council website: http://www.stowmarket.org/pages/flashindex.asp