College students put an MP under the spotlight during a recent visit.

As part of national Colleges Week, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson attended Lillyhall-based Lakes College and took part in a question and answer session with a group of students.

The students who are studying public services and business each quizzed the MP on a subject of their choice, with questions including his thoughts on education, mental health and potential lockdowns, along with the more controversial topic of whether MP Margaret Ferrier should resign.

Mr Jenkinson said he was impressed with the students’ enthusiasm, and said: “It was great to meet and speak to students and to take their questions about the issues that are currently affecting them.

“Lakes College is such an important part of our further education offer, and I was pleased to celebrate College Week with staff and students.”

During the visit, principal Chris Nattress told Mr Jenkinson how the college has safely reopened following the Covid-19 lockdown and what changes have been brought in.

Mr Nattress said: “We were really pleased that Mark was able to spend some time with us celebrating Colleges Week.

“Mark is a champion of the work we do at Lakes College and is a keen supporter of how we work with communities and businesses.

“Our students really welcomed the opportunity to speak to Mark about subjects which are important to them such as Covid-19 and what the Government is doing to help with important matters of young people in Allerdale and Copeland.”

Speaking after the visit, Diego Sutcliffe, a Level 2 public services student, said: “The visit was good – Mark was really nice, and got along with everyone really well.”

Haydon Small, who is studying Level 3 public services, said: “His answers were a lot better than I thought they would be. I thought he might try and avoid questions, but he actually gave straight answers.

“He seemed like he actually wanted to help instead of just saying things that government want us to hear.”

Colleges Week, running from October 19-23, is a chance to celebrate and shout about all of the brilliant things that colleges do, build communities, boost businesses, and support individuals.