THREE Chorley students became television producers for a day after winning a prestigious national competition.

The trio from Southlands High School co-produced a special edition of BBC1's Question Time featuring a studio audience all aged under-25.

Panellists on the live political debate show included MPs David Lammy, Boris Johnson and Sarah Teather alongside student union president Mandy Telford and comedian Jimmy Carr.

Kristina Preston, Fiona Taylor and Kelly Hilton, year 11 pupils at Southlands, had their names featured on the programme's credits on Thursday (July 8) after helping to research and produce the show.

They were offered the unique opportunity after winning the Schools Question Time Challenge in November 2003.

Kelly Hilton, of Haweswater Avenue, Chorley, was one of two editors of the programme.

She said: "Me and a boy from another school were editors and we had to pick the topics and decide what order questions would be asked.

"My mum taped it for me and I was really chuffed when I watched it back. I'd jump at the chance to do something like that again."

The 16-year-old team from Southlands, Clover Road, were involved in all aspects of the production process including making editorial decisions and selecting guests.

They were given the chance to take part after hosting their own successful event in April which featured Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle and Preston North End manager Craig Brown.

Presenter and veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby, said: "The idea behind the challenge is to give students a chance to take part in political debate expressing their own views and listening to the views of others.

"The pupils involved in producing the programme have been an inspiration.

"Their fresh, creative approach has impressed all of us on the Question Time team."