TEENAGERS from Southall were encouraged to go speed dating by their school this morning.

However, instead of a room full of amorous suitors they were faced with ten Ealing councillors, and given three minutes each to grill them on things that matter to them.

The political Speed Dating event was held at Featherstone High School as part of local democracy week, encouraging youngsters to get more involved in what's going on around them.

Groups of three youngsters, from years 11 and 12, sat with each of the councillors, who were not allowed to tell them their names or which party they belonged to, and grilled them on matters ranging from knife crime to the credit crunch.

Lizana Sekiraqa, 17, said the event had given her an insight into how local politics works.

She said: “I think it would be better if we had younger people who we could relate to as councillors, who understand the way we feel about society today.

“In general they were really helpful and I hope they put our ideas forward to help improve our society.”

Manveer Tumber, 17, said: “I've learned just by asking a few questions today and talking to a few councillors how they are planning to get to the root of knife crime and not just give leaflets and stuff.

“I think they should have one day in each school in Ealing like they had here where they talk to the kids who can then fnd out useful information from the councillors.”

Students scored the councillors in five different areas, approachability, listening skills, ability to understand the issues, ability to answer specific questions and likelihood of voting for them.

Officers then tallied the votes and the winner was Labour Cllr Shabaz Ahmed, with Tories Cllrs Justin Anderson and Colm Costello in second and third.

Cllr Amit Kapur, who is one of the youngest councillors in the borough, praised the event.

He said: “Because I'm young I feel like I can challenge more of the older people with fresh new ideas, and also give an insight in to what youngsters' issues are these days.

“I think there should be more events like this and we should put our hand right across the table and invite youngsters to come to the council chamber to have their say on local issues.”