PUPILS from a Catholic grammar school have become the last to take on the roles of UK government ministers in a mock EU debate.
A team from Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch joined young people from across the north at the Mock Council of the European Union.
Run by British Council Northern Ireland, it aims to let sixth formers experience the EU's decision-making process, by representing countries in debates on topical policy issues.
This year's debate at Belfast City Hall focused on migration and climate change.
With the UK due to leave next month, Assumption Grammar are the last to represent the UK.
Year 13 pupils Niamh Mateer, Ciara Rooney and Ellen Louise Cleary had one week to get up to speed with policy and prepare for possible comments from other countries about Brexit.
"They pulled the short straw in many ways, but they were well-prepared and very engaged," said vice principal Marcelle Orsi.
"They felt they had a very challenging task being the UK, given Brexit and the UK's stance on migration, but they had done their research."
British Council Northern Ireland director Jonathan Stewart said the event put pupils in the ministerial hot seat.
"Students researched the various positions from the perspective of each of the member states, helping to develop greater intercultural understanding while learning more about the workings of the main decision?making body of the European Union," he said.
