RACISM in football was among the issues discussed when MP Neil Carmichael met a group of pupils at Maidenhill School in Stonehouse.

During Friday's visit, Mr Carmichael was given a tour by Year 9 students and was impressed by their pride in the school.

He then met with Year 11 students in a citizenship class and discussed various projects being worked on including racism in football, war and poverty.

"We had a really good discussion and I was really impressed by the pupils depth of knowledge on their chosen subjects," said Mr Carmichael.

He also witnessed the launch of a vision statement from Stonehouse Community Partnership's schools working group.

Headteachers Rachel Edwards of Park Infant School, Jane Jones of the Shrubberies School, Richard Gasser of Park Junior School and Pam Wilson of Maidenhill all signed up.

The aim is to encourage the schools to work together alongside Stonehouse Community Partnership to develop good working relationships with businesses in the community.

Partnership chairman John Jeynes said: "This is the first time all four local schools have joined together and we hope it is a huge success that will be mutually beneficial to all."