COLLEGE students quizzed Ken Livingstone during a question time-style debate yesterday.

As part of his campaign to become London Mayor next year, Mr Livingstone visited Waltham Forest College in Forest Road, to speak with pupils about what changes they wanted to see in London.

During the hour-long session, the students raised concerns over youth unemployment, police cuts, rising transport fares and the growing divide between the rich and the poor.

They also posed questions on the abolition of the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), the lack of affordable housing, gangs and knife crime and opportunities arising from the Olympics.

Engineering student Oscar Guaqueta, 17, who attended the event said: “I found it very insightful and interesting, and was impressed that Ken Livingstone attempted to answer all the questions put to him, however difficult it may have been.

“It’s good to see a politician taking an interest in the views of young people.”

Public Services student Adam Kaka, 16, said he was concerned with the coalition cuts to public services, especially as he was eventually hoping to join the police service.

Mr Livingstone told the students that as Mayor he would aim to cut transport costs by five per cent if elected and would impose a fare freeze in 2013.

He ended the question and answer session by encouraging students to get vote and get involved in politics.

Vice Principal Peter Glasgow said: "It was pleasing to see learners taking a real interest in how London should be governed.

"Following the questions and short presentations learners at Waltham Forest College are keen to become involved in making a difference in London."