EDUCATION has been high on my agenda in the past week, with two school visits and a meeting with an educational charity.

I was pleased to accept an invitation to the Burgate School, Fordingbridge. Although outside the constituency, I know the school is highly regarded by many local families who send their children there – and no wonder, if the lively group of sixth formers who quizzed me are anything to go by!

There is no stemming the tide of technology – at home or at school. Pupils show incredible proficiency on computers at very young ages and are more creative and independent learners because of it.

However, with growing computer literacy comes the responsibility to teach children how to protect themselves from dangerous and malicious content.

I was delighted to be asked to be part of an internet safety forum at Christ the King School in Amesbury, giving youngsters practical and age-appropriate advice on staying safe online.

The constituency is home to many impressive charities – some local and some doing great work nationally and internationally.

This week, I was delighted to learn about Edukaid, a small charity based in Downton, but with big ambitions to build on its proud track record of delivering life-changing education in rural Tanzania.

With Salisbury International Arts Festival drawing ever closer, it is good to see the banners up all over the city centre and to hear the strains of live music spilling out of various pubs over the weekend.

The open-air launch got things off to a great start. It is always a pleasure to see the Market Square full and buzzing - not to mention drawing people into the city and keeping them here into the evening to enjoy both our restaurants and pop-up eateries.

Events that make full use of our excellent public spaces are key to the future vibrancy of the city centre. Online shopping is not going away but city centres that offer people experiences – a pleasant environment, walks, entertainment and places to socialise will be the ones that stay competitive.