17 YEAR OLD WATFORD SCHOOL PUPIL MEETS WITH ED BALLS AT LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE

Seamus Williams, 17, from Watford today met with Labour's Education Secretary, Ed Balls. The Bushy Hall Academy pupil used the opportunity to tell the schools chief how vital the Educational Maintenence Allowance- introduced by Labour- is in supporting his studies.

He told Ed Balls that without the EMA, he would struggle to be able to afford school books, equipment and travel.

Labour introduced the allowance to support families and students to continue in education.

Seamus Williams of Watford, 17, said:

"It was great to come to Labour's Conference and meet with Ed Balls.

"I told him how getting the EMA means that I can afford books, equipment and travel to school.

"I don't know what we'd do without it."

 Labour's Schools Secretary, Ed Balls said:

"Seamus is clearly a really bright young man, and it's so important that we continue to support young people like him to continue in education with allowances like the EMA.

"Labour are helping all young people to achieve their potential, but the Tories would put this all at risk."