COUNCILLORS got a grilling from Sidmouth College students during a bout of political ‘speed dating’ last Wednesday, February 8.

The event gave students a taste of real political life - with two candidates sharing the crown in a ‘Coalition partnership.

Ten of EDDC’s Councillors took part, including Sidmouth representatives

Christine Drew and Peter Sullivan, and Ottery’s Claire Wright.

Councillors had three minutes to find out more about the students and what’s important to them.

“Some very searching topics were addressed and reflected the students’ social awareness beyond their own home turf,” said an EDDC spokesperson.

“Questions ranged from local issues such as bus services, child maintenance and improving youth services through to more national issues such as the riots last summer, university fees, and Fred Goodwin being stripped of his knighthood.”

Voting, which was just for fun, this year resulted in joint winners – Councillors Graham Brown and Martin Gammell.

Both thanked the students for their interest, awareness and searching questions.

All Councillors said that it had been a privilege to be involved and feedback from students was equally positive.