Otley Mayor leads assembly on Westgate Primary School trip (From Wharfedale Observer)

Otley Mayor leads assembly on Westgate Primary School trip

3:00pm Monday 4th March 2013 in Local news

Otley schoolchildren were paid a Valentine's Day visit by the town mayor.

Councillor Mary Vickers was greeted by a song from all of the pupils and staff when she visited Westgate Primary School.

She then led an assembly which explained what her mayoral role entailed, answered questions from the children, and presented headteacher Helen Carpenter with a scroll bearing the town's coat of arms.

After the assembly, Coun Vickers met members of the school council - which has representatives from each class from Year One upwards - and invited them to a town council meeting later this year.

Ms Carpenter said: "It is really important to us that all of our pupils understand the work of the mayor and the town council so that, as they grow up, they become active and responsible citizens who engage in local democracy.

"The children were all very excited to meet Mary and we were delighted to welcome her to Westgate and show her some of the work we do."

Coun Vickers rounded off her visit by spending time in Westgate's Foundation Stage unit, where she talked to nursery children before joining a 'buddy' reading session, where Year 6 pupils share stories with their reception buddies.