A LABOUR councillor proved a big hit with students on Tuesday as he won a political speed-dating event as part of Local Democracy Week.

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz won the challenge at Greenford High School when 30 students quizzed 14 councillors from all parties about local democracy, being a politician and pressing political issues.

Councillor Sonika Nirwal, leader of the Labour group, said: "Events like this are a great way of getting young people more interested in politics.

"Local Democracy Week is always enjoyable and thought-provoking, not just for young people, but for councillors too."

At the end of the morning students were asked to mark the councillors out of ten. The votes were tallied and Cllr Mahfouz, shadow cabinet member for environment and transport, was declared the winner.

Cllr Mahfouz said: "I'm thrilled to have been chosen as the winner, and it was great to see so many youngsters showing an interest in politics.

"I've enjoyed meeting the students of Greenford High School, telling them about my role as a councillor and finding out more about what's important to them."