TEENAGERS in Keighley quizzed an MP on hot topics as part of their National Citizens Service work.

The community volunteers spoke with Shipley MP Philip Davies about issues such as feminism, Brexit and how young people could tackle homelessness.

The question and answer session was held when Mr Davies visited the Sangat Centre in Eastwood to see a public speaking workshop.

The group of teenagers at the Sangat Centre practised giving speeches so they could deliver Dragons’ Den-style pitches in a bid to win funding for their planned social action projects.

NCS is a national programme bringing together young people from different backgrounds to develop their skills, confidence and connections, and a mix of people outside their normal circle.

The four-week programme encourages social mixing and interaction across all social divides, bringing together people of different nationalities, ethnicities, age, social class, employment status, sexuality, gender and disability.

Mr Davies said he thoroughly enjoyed meeting the “dedicated and inspiring” group of young people at Sangat.

He said: “I was able to see first-hand the wide range of skills they are learning, and how this is helping them to develop as active citizens who can make a real difference in their local community.

“I look forward to hearing about their achievements during the rest of their time on NCS, including through their work alongside local community partners to shine a light on key social issues in the Bradford area.”

The NCS programme in Bradford district is delivered by social integration charity The Challenge.

Nasira Amin, Programme Manager with the organisation, said: "We've challenged young people to take on new experiences and skills, including outdoor adventures, cookery and now public speaking - and are very proud of what they have already achieved.

“They will leave the programme with a greatly enhanced understanding of those from different backgrounds, and the confidence to play an active and meaningful role in their local community.”

The Challenge said that over the last 50 years the UK had become more diverse by age, ethnicity and income.

But most people spent relatively little time with people from different walks of life, building friendships with people with a similar education, age and ethnicity as themselves.

The Challenge said research showed its NCS participants increased their understanding, empathy, respect and connections with people they would normally judge as ‘different’. Half of them had to continue volunteering in the local community afterwards.

NCS is for youngsters aged 15 to 17. Visit ncsyes.co.uk to sign up.