Two headteachers have been brushing up on their political knowledge and will pass their skills onto school pupils.

Both Pauline Robertson, executive head at Workington’s Victoria infant and junior schools, and Joanne Ormond, of Maryport Junior School, have this week attended the Teachers’ Institute in the Houses of Parliament in London.

In the 10 years since it was launched, the institute has trained more than 500 teachers, giving them skills and knowledge of Parliament to pass on to their students and colleagues.

The two heads applied to an open call and were selected from more than 180 applicants to attend the three-day event and earlier this week headed down to take part.

They got the chance to contribute to question and answer questions with the Speaker, John Bercow MP, and the Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler.

They also got to hear from Parliamentarians of all parties about their work in the Commons and Lords.

Workington MP Sue Hayman said she was delighted that the pair attended and added she was sure that the students in Maryport, Victoria infant and junior schools, and the West Coast Teaching Alliance would benefit from their experience.

Mr Bercow said: “I am proud that this excellent initiative, now in its 10th year, continues to provide such an invaluable service.

“Better engagement and dialogue with young people is of fundamental importance to our democracy, and I am sure that the teachers attending will find the experience both useful and enlightening.”