BOLTON sixth-formers became world leaders for a day when they formed their own version of the United Nations.

They gathered in Bolton Town Hall's main council chamber to debate some of the hottest topics on the planet.

The debate was organised by the United Nations Association to encourage youngsters to learn how to sue for peace instead of war. They became spokesmen and women for 23 countries and talked about whether weapons inspectors should be allowed into Iraq.

Tony McNeile, chairman of the association's Bolton branch said: "We have now held three of these events.

"They are a brilliant way of making young people aware of world issues."