CHILDREN in a deprived area of Bolton are getting the chance to look around the most famous house in the land.

The youngsters from Breightmet and Tonge are going to be able to peek inside number 10 Downing Street in London - and might even be lucky to catch the Prime Minister at home.

Excited pupils - some of whom have never been to the capital before - are spending two days finding out about how the British democratic system works.

As well as visiting Tony Blair's residence, and that of the Chancellor Gordon Brown next door at number 11 Downing Street, they will watch debates in the House of Commons and be given a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament by Bolton MP David Crausby.

And the children will be given a taste of democracy for themselves as each school in the Education Action Zone of Breightmet and Tonge will elect one representative to go down to London for two days on December 14.

There are 18 schools involved including 15 primary schools and the secondary schools of Withins and Thornleigh as well as Firwood School which teaches pupils with learning problems.

Roscow Fold Primary School teacher Sue Pilkington, who helped to organise the trip, said: "They will be discovering what happens at the seat of government.

Pupils will get a chance to see democracy in action. Not only will they watch the politicians but will actual take part in their own elections for an ambassador from their school.

Opportunity

"It's a wonderful opportunity for them."

The children will be taken on a guided tour of number 10 to see the cabinet room, the state dinning room where visiting presidents and leaders are entertained as well as finding out some history including seeing Gladstone's desk and Winston Churchill's chair.

But the whole trip might not be taking place if Mrs Pilkington had not gone on her summer holidays.

It was only while on holiday that she bumped into a number 10 Downing Street assistant who was so impressed by the work of the Action Zone, he invited a school party down.

Mrs Pilkington said: "He gave me his business card and said, 'I'm aware that I'm in a privileged position. I would like to share it with children who would appreciate it'."