The winners of an EU competition, held at Strode’s College, Egham, were given a unique opportunity to peer into some of the mechanics of the European Commission. Two students were taken to Brussels last week to meet senior members of the Committee of the Regions, the body representing local politicians at a European level. Alan Donelan (18) of Old Windsor and Jack Mellor (17) from Wraysbury completed a test and wrote an essay on combating poverty in the EU. They were then taken to the EU capital with 10 other schools representing 7 other countries to present themselves to the European Alliance members of the Committee of the Regions.

Accompanied by Runnymede councillor Linda Gillham they were given a tour of both the European Commission and Brussels city centre. The competition was organised by the College’s Laws Department and Politics teacher Nathan Scott said: ‘This has been a wonderful experience for the two winners and displays our commitment to wider engagement and participation.’

Both students gained a lot from the trip with Alan saying that he hopes to work in the EU at a later stage in his career.