PUPILS from Winkleigh Primary School took West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox for a guided tour of the village to discuss with him what they felt could be done to improve their community.

The invitation came after the MP received letters from pupils in Years 5 and 6 as part of their 'Building a Community' project, detailing how they felt their local community could be improved.

The children were keen to see if their MP could help to change things that were beyond their control, such as filling potholes and improving street lighting.

Mr Cox raised the issues with Torridge District Council and Devon County Council on the children's behalf. As a result, the potholes in the village have now been filled and a number of other improvements are underway.

While in the village, the MP was also shown around the school by some of its Year 6 pupils and took part in a question and answer session. The children were keen to talk to him and to ask questions about how he became an MP and what duties the job involves.

Mr Cox said: 'I very much enjoyed my visit; the children asked some excellent questions and they are a credit to the school.

'It was very helpful to see the concerns raised by the children first hand and I will continue to raise issues on their behalf to try and make the improvements they have asked for.

'I am determined to do whatever I can to continue to support the rural schools and communities of Torridge and West Devon.'