YOUNGSTERS at a Kates Hill school have taken part in a real democratic election process as they elected their school councillors.

Kates Hill Primary in Peel Street usually have a school council every year but this year wanted to make it more realistic.

Children had to nominate the candidates, who then had to come up with their own manifestos, design a poster as well as standing up in assembly to speak about why they should be chosen.

Year three teacher, Victoria White, who organised the council, said:” We had a real voting booth and ballot box and everyone had to vote.”

The school even invited their ward councillor Cllr Shaukat Ali to reveal the winners and present the new school council with their badges of honour.

Cllr Ali said: “I was honoured to be invited to hand out the school council badges. I think it is a very good idea in terms of raising awareness of the democratic process. The elected now have a very important role.

“Using my role as local councillor I hope I can help resolve any issues outside the school which they bring to my attention.”

This year as well as having a different election process, the younger children were also invited to join the council, instead of just the older pupils.

Victoria added: “It is the first time the younger years were part of the council as it has usually been just key stage two, but the younger children have a voice as well and they wanted to be heard so we thought we would get them involved.

“The children really, really enjoyed it. It was exciting, there was a real buzz around the school.”