The discussion topics ranged from genetically-modified foods to the infamous tackle of a certain famous footballer when Borehamwood students met borough politicians on Friday.

Pupils from Hertswood School's sixth form were invited to express their views on a variety of issues at Hertsmere Borough Council's first-ever Democracy Day, held at the Civic Offices.

A panel of five, including the Mayor of Hertsmere and the borough's MP, fielded questions at the event, organised to encourage young people to take more of an interest in politics.

Nine Hertswood students took part in the discussions, and they gave opinions on local issues such as the need for more youth activities and the standard of policing in Borehamwood.

Mayor of Hertsmere Stuart Nagler, who called the meeting, said: "A lot of good has come out of this session because we have been able to talk to young people and listen to their views."

He welcomed a suggestion that a skate park could be built in Borehamwood, and both he and James Clappison MP promised to continue pushing for more police officers to walk the streets.

Regarding the policing issue, Jade Westbrook, 17, said: "We need police officers to go everywhere in Borehamwood, not just down the village."

Several students were worried about crime in the town, and they agreed action should to be taken tackle the problems surrounding drinking and drug use amongst young people.

Gillian Tsingano, 16, said: "Drugs is a big issue the kids being on drugs is what makes the crime rate so high."

The reliability of the town's bus services was criticised, although some pupils said they still spent much of their spare time in Watford because there was little to do in Borehamwood.

Council leader Neil Payne said: "Maybe Borehamwood does not have all the facilities that it should have we are going to work on youth shelters and we are looking at a skate park."

Labour group leader Frank Ward shared the students' concern about the number of takeaway restaurants in Borehamwood, but he said that the council was hindered by planning laws.

Discussing national topics, both the politicians and the pupils condemned the footballer Roy Keane, and they agreed that a cautious approach should be taken to genetically-modified foods.

The council is currently setting up a youth panel to look at issues affecting young people in Hertsmere, and Mr Nagler said he hoped the borough's schools would be involved in the scheme.