AN MP has faced her toughest grilling yet – by a team of petite Paxmans and mini Marrs.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas was put through her paces by a crack team of interrogators from Fairlight Primary School for the pupils’ first edition of a school newspaper.

The junior journalists certainly did not treat the Green MP with kid gloves – quizzing her on all matter of subjects including fracking and immigration.

The 25 members of the school’s newspaper club, from year two to six, spent the half-term searching for hot scoops before returning to hopefully see their first edition hot off the press in the next few weeks.

The school project has got all angles of newspaper production covered with children asking local businesses for advertising and with plans to sell the paper once it has been completed.

Headteacher Damien Jordan said: “The pupils wanted to do something big for the launch of their first edition so they contacted Caroline and asked her if she wanted to come and be involved.

“The children are interested in anything that affects or impacts upon them.

“One of the pupils asked about immigration because they came to this country and didn’t speak English while another child asked about fracking because they had been on a fracking protest.

“One of our pupils, Ernie, is very interested in politics and about elections and is undecided about whether he wants to be a journalist or a scientist when he grows up.”

Ms Lucas said she was quizzed on everything from fracking and international development and the merits of school uniforms.

She was also asked about the most important piece of advice she had been given. Her reply to this question was: “Follow your dreams”.

She said: “I had a fantastic time with the students, though I think I get an easier ride from Newsnight.

“I was so impressed with their questions and excellent follow-ups. There are definitely some budding Paxmans. The Argus has got some stiff competition.”