Young ESOL students visit the Mayor of Barnet

The lucky students learned about local democracy and had a chance to dress up in the mayoral robes.

In return, the students, for all of whom English is their second language, wrote the Mayor thank-you letters to show their appreciation.

One of the students, Aghar Moussa, wrote:

"Dear Madam Mayor

"I was so glad to see you and talk to you last week, I enjoyed wearing your clothes ... I felt so proud.

"I have lived here for three years. I love Barnet because it has the best education, I only felt safe and free here. We emerged from war, fear and hunger in Syria and came to the land of safety and human rights. I hope to gain a high degree of knowledge, learn more and more and become a valued member of the community."

The trip was organised by Young ESOL tutor Deborah Koder.