Youngsters at a Manor Park summer school were able to find out about politics from their MP.

Stephen Timms visited Wise Owl Learning, which is being held at Salisbury Primary School, to find out more about the summer school on Wednesday.

He sat in on a workshop before the young participants asked him questions on a variety of topics.

Yvonne Ackuaku, one of the co-founders, said: “It was really good.

“He came and spoke to the children and they asked him questions.

“He said we were doing great work for education in Newham.”

The three-day summer school was set up by Yvonne and her friend Gillian Benjamin.

The pair are primary school teachers and set up the summer school, which is in its first year.

The programme lasts for three days and sees children aged seven to 12 take part in a range of fun and educational workshops, from art and drama to maths tricks and even Latin.

Children had the chance to design their own bags, get fit on the sports field and take part in sessions designed to help them do better when they go back to school in September.

“We’ve had a lot of good feedback from parents and children,” Yvonne added.

“This year was only a pilot but some of them said they’d like it to be for the full week next year.”

The three week scheme saw 20 pupils take part each week.

Yvonne said that she had to turn children down because too many wanted to take part.

“We had 23 want to do the last week,” she said.

“Friends and neighbours wanted to join in as word got round.”

Those who did get the opportunity to take part in the school enjoyed the variety of activities provided.

For many, Mr Timms’ visit was the first time they had met a politician.

Yvonne said the East Ham MP had said he was interested in visiting next year.

For more about the summer school, visit wiseowllearning.org.uk