A SOUTH Craven School pupil enjoyed a visit to the majestic surroundings of Westminster as part of a day of events to mark International Women's Day.

Emma Holmes, 17, who lives in Farnhill, was welcomed by Julian Smith, the MP for Skipton and Ripon.

Her visit earlier this month had been arranged by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Parliament and featured a visit to Downing Street, a tour of Parliament and a reception with the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Mr Smith invited schools across his constituency to nominate a pupil to come to London for the event and Emma was successful with her application.

She spent part of the day shadowing Mr Smith, who afterwards said: “It is important we inspire more young women to get involved in politics and it was great to be able to host Emma on her visit here.

"I hope she enjoyed her visit to Westminster and her sampling of life as a politician.

“The day was extremely busy – from visiting Downing Street to a tour of Parliament to seeing a debate in the House of Commons – and I hope it showed both the importance of the work at Westminster and the need for more women to get involved in politics at every level.”