'Watching these kids speak about their hopes for the future - and filled me with pride'

It's been a busy old week at the Manchester Evening News. A lot of work goes into hosting a top politician and a truckload of guests.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visited our offices on Thursday. He faced a grilling from schoolkids on a range of topics - from knife crime and drill music, to the cost of living crisis and dealing with exam stress.

It was lovely to see so many people at M.E.N. Towers. Students mingled with reporters, NHS staff and charity campaigners before Sir Keir arrived. We got through a lot of tea and biscuits.

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The opposition leader was quizzed during a Q&A, with teenagers from Manchester Academy, Newman RC College and Rochdale College raising a few tough topics.

Sir Keir made clear from the get-go it was an opportunity he wouldn't waste, urging the kids to share their hopes, fears and aspirations.

The views of young people will be key in the run-up to the next general election - and Labour's plan for change, he added.

"Put your fingerprints on the future," Sir Keir told them.

The young people in that room knew it was their chance to be heard - and grabbed that chance with both hands.

Giorgi, Ekemena and Annie asked him about funding for schools, cash for families during the holidays and help for struggling parents wanting to put their children through university.

READ MORE: The Manchester Evening News' exclusive interview with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer - in full

READ MORE: Sir Keir Starmer grilled by Greater Manchester schoolkids

Heaven and Nandita asked him about the scourge of knife crime, telling him kids across Greater Manchester are scared to walk home from school. They said they were