A visit to see Birchington primary school in action and a meeting with the school council was part of a visit to Thanet for six Commonwealth politicians from Africa and India.

The delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was accompanied by North Thanet MP Roger Gale, who said: “It was a great opportunity for our guests to see a lively and enthusiastic primary school in action and they enjoyed every minute.”

They also enjoyed lunch at historic Salmestone Grange in Margate, met with deputy Thanet council leader Cllr Shirley Tomlinson and Margate mayor Cllr Brian Sullivan, before having tea with the MP at his country home in Preston.

Mr Gale said: “The delegates also attended sessions at Westminster as part of the programme to learn out more about the role of MPs, their constituencies and local projects and services.

“They also had great fun when Brian Sullivan wore his full civic regalia - and then let them try the robes on. The delegates had a great time and were intrigued at how informal many of the relationships between the MP, the schools, businesses and local authorities are. To me, it’s just an altogether more pleasant way of working.”

The delegates visiting North Thanet were: Senator Evaristus Jn. Marie- Saint Lucia; Gibson Hlophe MP- Swaziland ; Brian M. M. Ntundu MP - Zambia; Rachel Wambui Shebesh MP- Kenya; Deependra Singh Shekhawat MLA- India; Ahmed Adamu MHA- Nigeria.