TWO children had the opportunity to be a young mayor for the day.

Madeleine Loveday, 11, of Ingatestone and Fryerning Junior School and James Innocent, 11, of Willowbrook Primary School, Hutton, accompanied the mayor, Jean McGinley, on her mayoral duties on Wednesday.

Madeleine and James showed the mayor around their schools. Then they visited her official parlour and tried on the regalia.

This was followed by lunch and a visit to Uppercuts Hair Salon in the High Street. Madeleine had a haircut, while James had his hair styled.

"It was a brilliant day," said Madeleine, "although I was suprised to see how members of the public treat the mayor like anybody else.

"I presumed they'd move out of the way for her in the street and stop and say wow', but no one did."

The highlight for James was travelling in the mayor's Jaguar.

"It was great, but the mayor's day is quite tiring, she has to work hard."

In the evening, they and their families were special guests at the council meeting where they received a memento of their day.

Mrs McGinley said: "This is the fourth year we have run young mayor for the day.

"It's a unique opportunity for young people to learn about local democracy.

"They were brilliant companions, articulate, interested and very bright.

"I really enjoyed myself."

The youngsters were nominated by their schools because of their achievements at school.

Both play for sports teams and are members of their school councils.