A PAIR of pupils from Barrhead High jetted off to Brussels to visit the European Parliament.

Sophie Wade and Joel McNamara secured the chance to rub shoulders with some of Europe’s key political figures at the 130th plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions.

The trip to Belgium was a reward for their success in the EA/CoR Secondary Schools competition, which involved youngsters aged 14 to 18 in Scotland, Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, Italy, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

The first stage of the contest was a multiple choice test that assessed the students’ knowledge of the European Union (EU) and its institutions, while the second was to write an essay describing why preserving and promoting cultural heritage is important for the EU.

As part of their prize, Sophie and Joel had the opportunity to visit the European Parliament, learn about the history of the EU at the European House of History and tour Brussels.

East Renfrewshire Council leader Tony Buchanan, who got to join the students and their teacher Collette McGuire on the trip, said: “It was fantastic to be joined by the pupils from Barrhead High at the European Committee of the Regions.

“The visit will have given them a real sense of the work carried out in Brussels and also the opportunity to make bonds with other young people from across Europe.

“The pupils showed their knowledge and enthusiasm for the European Union and I’m sure will use the experiences to enhance their learning in the year ahead.”

After meeting the Barrhead delegation, Karl Vanlouwe, president of the European Alliance Group, said: “This competition celebrates the diversity of Europe’s regions and stands every year as an example of how the European institutions can strengthen the bonds with their local roots, as well as with the generations which will be shaping the future of the EU.”