YOUNGSTERS at a Durham school have been getting a lesson in democracy.

Although they are much too young to vote in council or general elections, pupils at St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Gilesgate, have been exercising their right to choose their representatives on the school council.

"We are using ye olde ballot box," said year five and six teacher Catherine Craig.

Pupils from year three upwards were eligible to vote for candidates from their year, with a total of 24 across the school standing for election.

"The school council's purpose is to give pupils in the school a voice," Mrs Craig said.

She said the candidates had been able to carry out campaigning, including putting up posters, and that, unlike the turn-out in adult elections, "everybody votes".