Richmond MP Rishi Sunak has visited Pickhill Church of England Primary School, near Thirsk, to learn more about its ecological work.
Earlier this year, the school was awarded the prestigious Green Flag accolade for its work to care for the environment.
It is one of the few schools in the county to receive the award.
The Chancellor was taken on a tour of the eco-projects which earned the school its green credentials, before toasting marshmallows over an open fire.
He then answered the pupils’ questions on his own ecological footprint, his role as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and his plans to tackle the pandemic.
Sunak told pupils: “This has been a very difficult time and I have had to make a lot of decisions that affect the whole country, which has been stressful. My biggest fear is getting it wrong.
“People ask me for money and I have to decide whether they can have it – it’s so important to get the balance right.”
On the environment, he discussed the country’s need for cleaner forms of energy, and the Prime Minister’s desire to create more cycle lanes.
Sunak said: “We have to find ways to help us borrow less while still making sure we have enough money to do the things we want to do.”
He also told pupils that scientists were working hard to find a vaccine to prevent against Covid-19 infection.
When asked about Boris Johnson, Sunak said: “I see him every day. I live next door at No. 11 Downing Street and my two daughters play with his dog, Dillon.”
The headmistress of Pickhill, Rowena Sykes, said: “Mr Sunak must be incredibly busy and we really appreciate him taking time out to visit our school.
“I was so proud of the children’s questioning, in fact I thought their questions were better than the ones you hear on the news.”
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