Teenagers who will be casting the first vote of their lives in May quizzed a panel of politicians in a Question Time-style afternoon.

On Thursday sixth formers from Walderslade Girl’s and Greenacre Academy heard local representatives from the five main political parties give a speech and then asked them questions.

The 16 to 18-year-olds grilled them on everything from tuition fees, the NHS and immigration, to whether any politicians can be trusted.

Head of Walderslade Girls’ Louise McGowan said: “I’m hoping that they go away from today feeling far more informed and therefore able to make a decision on their own about how they are going to vote.

"It’s a big decision to make, after all any choices now will have an impact on all their futures.

“Not all of our students have been engaged with politics, and that is a problem nationwide, but I think this year’s election is more exciting than it has ever been and it has really gripped our students.

"We are so grateful to all the politicians who gave up their time to take part in this.”

Chatham MP Tracey Crouch represented the Conservatives, Cllr Tristan Osborne was there as a Labour candidate, Cllr David Thornewell for the Lib Dems, donor Ian Wallace for Ukip and Clive Gregory parliamentary candidate for the Greens.

Head girl Jess Sharp played David Dimbleby on the day, keeping everyone under control and on track with their answers.

She said: “It was a bit daunting, but became really exciting. I’m very interested in politics. I would love to be Prime Minister but have recently been looking at journalism and would like to be a political correspondent one day.

“Not enough young people are interested in politics and those who are often don’t get listened to which is why events like this are important. There were a lot of opinions coming out from the crowd, clapping and booing so I think it went really well.”