Rawdon

Pupils took over a council chamber to give their views on green issues.

Youngsters from Rawdon Littlemoor Primary School, and St Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, in Yeadon, were among children from across Leeds who debated priorities for the city.

Seventy pupils took part, challenging the council’s leaders to tackle litter and graffiti, promote local food growing and to encourage more sustainable travel.

The priorities were suggested by green and eco-team representatives from eight primary schools and one secondary school.

Councillor Judith Blake, executive member for children’s services, accepted a challenge to take up the issues with fellow senior councillors and to report back on progress.

She said: “The pupils have presented compelling cases for us to discuss, take action on and advocate on their behalf.

“As a child-friendly city, it’s vital that we include children and young people in our decision-making process.”

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for the environment: “It’s so encouraging to see that so many of our young people can articulate clearly their concerns when it comes to the environment and their communities.

“Time and again young people tell us that litter is a priority for them – echoing what residents tell us too – and I can assure everyone that we’ll take action and report back on what we’re doing to help them make their priorities a reality alongside what they can do to support us.”

MERCURY MOVIE MAKERS: The other Wednesday we welcomed another new member at the club (we must be doing something right). Another programme of members films provided an eclectic bill of fare for the evening. Brown Bread recalled the bread advert shown on TV some years ago. It showed a lone figure struggling up a very steep cobbled hill clutching a loaf of bread. By the Riverside portrayed a Mercury barbecue from some years ago. Going Greek showed an island paradise off the Greek coast. Steamed up at Harry’s showed a crowd of enthusiasts going round a building absolutely packed with working steam engines and agricultural machinery. Scenes from The Lion King were enacted by suitably dressed humans in a colourful episode. We next saw a flotilla of steam-powered Edwardian vessels on Lake Windermere. A member dressed as an old rustic performed an amusing monologue on a stage as a resident of Hertfordshire. Going Underground showed caves and tunnels carved out of rock in an area of France which made remarkable storage for wine. A selection from one of our Mercury Film Festival compilations showed badgers in the wild, a comedy song and the historic 40th anniversary of Mercury Movies. Now with over half a century of filming and video experience, this friendly club invites anyone with a camcorder and a desire to make films that their friends want to watch to come along to Rawdon and see us at work. Visit mercurymoviemakers.com for details.

DARBY AND JOAN CLUB: Lunch was served on arrival at the meeting in Greenacre Hall on Monday. Chairman was Edith Marjerrison, announcements were made by Cynthia Gray and the meeting was closed by June France. MCs for the games were Joyce Schofield and Christine Watson and prize winners were Mary Anderson and Terry Pearson (whist) and Freda Houlden and Irene Rawnsley (dominoes). The club will be going on a trip to The White Horse, Church Fenton, next Monday and there will be no further meetings