An esteemed panel of political and media heavyweights took on issues ranging from climate change to the voting age as Richmond Park Academy hosted its own version of BBC’s Question Time.

Former British ambassador to Moscow Sir Roderic Lyne chaired the event on Wednesday, November 5, with panellists including award-winning journalist Robert Chesshyre, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Robin Meltzer and Richmond and Twickenham Times editor David Rankin.

England’s participation in sporting events in Russia and whether the UK should pay a ransom for kidnapped citizens were also among the topics up for discussion.

Tracey O’Brien, senior vice principal at Richmond Park Academy, said she was delighted with the students’ performance in grilling the panellists.

She said: "The well thought out contributions from both students and staff added to the quality of the whole proceedings and I was particularly impressed by the confidence our young people displayed in such a public arena."

RTT editor Mr Rankin said it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and students asked very insightful and intelligent questions.

Student Kallum White said the event added to his knowledge of the world and sparked a future involvement in politics.