A SCHOOLBOY from Malvern has had his first taste of speaking in the House of Commons.

Linus Burnage, aged nine, was chosen to make a speech at a debate held for children to discuss the EU Referendum.

Linus was among a group of pupils from Great Malvern Primary school's debating team who were chosen to attend the First News debate.

Only 100 pupils from 20 schools from across the country were able to take part.

Linus was one of only eight pupils who spoke and his three-minute speech outlined his reasons why he believes Britain should remain in the EU.

The debate, organised by children's newspaper First News, was held at the Speaker's House and speaker John Bercow chaired the debate.

At the end of the debate, the children voted and the IN campaign won the vote.

Paul Jackson-Read, headteacher at Great Malvern Primary School said: "We are immensely proud to have been invited to such a prestigious and important debate.

"Our children were very focussed on making sure the debate was fair and that all sides of the argument were heard.

"At Great Malvern Primary School we pride ourselves on having high aspirations and inspiring children and this event certainly did that."

As well as Linus, Samantha Daffin, Jack James, Jemima Lawrence-Connolly and Jack Ben-Dyke took part on Monday, May 23.

The Great Malvern debating team also recently won the Hereford and Worcester debating competition.

The EU referendum will take place on Thursday, June 23.