South Gloucestershire teenagers visit Downing Street

Three South Gloucestershire teenagers went to Downing Street this week to tell Gordon Brown about their adventures.

They were among the 100 youngsters who were awarded 2009 Prime Minister's Global Fellowships.

Mark Butcher visited China while Hanna Johnson and Hilary Dixon went to Brazil.

Mark and Hanna were students at The Ridings High School in Winterbourne – now Winterbourne International Academy – while Hilary, from Chipping Sodbury, attended Katharine Lady Berkeley School in Wotton-under-Edge.

Mr Brown said: "I am very proud of the 100 young people who were selected for their outstanding talent, enthusiasm and potential. The six weeks they spent experiencing the dynamic and fast-growing economies of Brazil, India and China were just the start of their becoming Global Fellows. They must now use that experience to encourage others to become active global citizens, ensuring our young people have the ability and confidence to take their place in the global society."

This was the second year of the scheme. Applications for 2010 close on December 18, 2009.