Students at West Nottinghamshire College welcomed Mansfield’s MP, Ben Bradley, last week when he called to see how learners were settling in to the new academic year.

Ben was given a tour of the college’s Derby Road campus by the president of the Students’ Union, Lewis Maskery.

Lewis, whose term as president began this summer, welcomed Ben and explained his role at the college, which includes enabling students to have a voice and opinion on matters while they’re at the college.

A selection of A-Level classes were visited and Ben was able to speak to some learners about their courses and experiences at the college and how Lewis supports people to get their voice heard.

Joining Lewis and Ben was the Rev John Yarrien, the co-chair of Maun Valley Citizens’ group. The group, which was set up in the hope of giving the people of Mansfield a voice, regularly uses the college for its meetings.

Ben said: “It’s been great to see some of the new students. I’ve visited the college before, but I’ve never seen students in their classroom environments. It’s good to see how engaged they are, especially in some of the A Level subjects that I once studied.

“Everyone seems really happy and positive about the college and the Students’ Union and they feel very well-supported. I was an SU representative at university and I feel that Lewis and I have similar jobs in a way – being that person who you can come to who can help point you in the right direction and offer support.

“This is what I try to do locally and clearly Lewis is succeeding in doing this and he has some really positive projects coming up at college.”