Kids to quiz Blair in pilot news scheme

The Prime Minister and other party leaders are to be interviewed by schoolchildren in a new BBC initiative where children get to make the news for themselves.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, Conservative leader David Cameron, Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell, Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond and Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones will be interviewed by a group of 12 and 13 year-old schoolchildren taking part in 'BBC School Report News Day' on Thursday March 22 .

Children from over 100 schools will be making their own news stories and broadcasting them via the internet. There will be coverage of the schools' reports throughout the day on BBC Breakfast, BBC News 24, Newsround, BBC Radio Five Live, regional television and all BBC local radio stations.

There will also be a special all-day online webcast, hosted by Newsround and BBC News 24's Ellie Crisell, on the BBC News website showcasing some of children's news reports.

Huw Edwards, presenter of the Ten O'Clock News on BBC One and BBC News 24 and the Five O'Clock News on BBC News 24 will front a range of online films and journalism guides designed by the BBC to help pupils and teachers get the most out of the experience.

Edwards, himself a former teacher, was interviewed by pupils at Paddington Academy preparing to take part in the initiative. He said: "To teachers and adults I'd say any exercise that allows young people to develop these tricky skills in a fun, challenging environment has got to be worth it and for me that's the glory of BBC News School Report."