IRAQ, top up fees, immigration, crime and health were just some of the contentious issues sixth formers raised during a lively question time, say Halton's three prospective parliamentary candidates.

We had to ask the panel afterwards what happened at SS Peter & Paul RC High School on Friday as The World was banned from listening to the debate.

Conservative Colin Bloom, said: "It was the best hustings we had because the subject matter was so broad.

"They were very vociferous about tuition fees, Iraq and lies. They talked about trust and said they don't know who to believe.

"They gave me a hard time but that's typical of all young people. They viewed me with healthy suspicion and cynicism.

"I love being around people who want to ask intelligent questions about politics. They were enlivened young people."

Lib Dem Roger Barlow, said: "The questions were well thought out and well expressed and didn't avoid controversial questions on immigration and the Iraq war.

"They were clear on the need for more facilities and recognise that it's boredom and lack of activity that leads to the anti social behaviour that so troubles their elders.

"They asked about student fees and made me feel ashamed to be part of a generation that enjoyed free university education.

"The resulting imposition of debt on young people at the start of their lives is making this generation cynical."

Labour's sitting MP, Derek Twigg, said: "The students asked extremely high calibre questions and were on the ball in terms of issues.

"They asked about Iraq, top up fees, facilities for young people, health and education.

"They raised top up fees. I explained that we were supporting students with grants and bursaries. No one will have to pay anything back until they start working and at a very low interest rate.

"We have a very low participation in university rate in Widnes. By giving more support, we will be able to help more people get to university."