ELECTIONS came early this year when years 2 to 6 were involved in the democratic process to announce the launch of their pupil council.

Children of nominating and electing candidates to stand on the pupil council as part of their PSHE topic.

The candidates have spent weeks campaigning to become class representatives and have given speeches and presentations to fellow classmates.

As election day dawned, the school hall was transformed into a polling station with help from Chester-le-Street District Council who kindly lent the school polling booths, a franking machine and the official ballot boxes.

Every child from year 2 to 6 was able to vote in the elections marking on the official school ballot paper their choice with a cross.

Witnesses counted the votes and the returning officer read out the results.

The elected pupils were presented with pupil council badges and gave speeches to thank their voters. Headteacher Paul Thompson said: "At Cestria, we always adopt a child-centred approach to education. The pupil council is another way of involving the children in making decisions to help improve the school."

The pupil council will meet regularly with teachers and governors to discuss issues concerning school improvement.

Elected school councillor Andrew Shuttleworth said: "I am very happy to have been elected onto the pupil council.

"I will use this opportunity to put forward the views of my class to try to improve the school."