MORE than 250 school children from across York will have the chance to voice their concerns and ask questions at a series of young people's Question Time events kicking off today.

The city will be split into three geographical areas and each one will have its own Question Time involving about four schools.

The events, similar to one hosted by David Dimbleby at the Guildhall earlier this year, have been organised by Burnholme Community College, Canon Lee School and Lowfield School.

Burnholme's event took place today, Lowfield School's will be at The Gateway Centre, Acomb, tomorrow and the final one will take place at Canon Lee School, on Friday.

Local councillors, representatives from the police force, school governors and members of the York Youth Parliament will be quizzed by the students.

Jennifer Philpott from the Institute Of Citizenship in York, which has helped organise the event, said: "The key aim of holding these events is to acknowledge the right of young people to hold and express political views.

"It is extremely important that young people are given the opportunity to voice their concerns over local issues that affect them day to day.

"The students involved in organising each Question Time will gain valuable skills that they may not normally experience such as negotiation and organising an event."

The three events will culminate in a York-wide Question Time at the Guildhall, on July 11, organised by Burnholme pupils.

The acting head teacher of Burnholme College, Tony Gavin, said: "The Question Time event is about fostering active citizenship.

"The DfES feel, and I agree, that we are not only trying to produce good academic students but young adults to go into the community."

The students will be able to take their questions and concerns to a high profile panel made up of MP Hugh Bayley, the city council's executive member for education Coun Carol Runciman, and the director of education at the City of York Council, Patrick Scott.

Updated: 09:05 Wednesday, June 25, 2003