AN east Durham school election has brought power to the pupils.

Staff at Yohden primary, Horden, decided that it was only right that pupils should have a say in the running of their school, so a school council has been elected.

Candidates were selected and polling booths and ballot boxes were borrowed from Easington District Council.

More than 30 pupils put themselves forward for election, leaving their fellow classmates with a long ballot paper on which to put their crosses.

After a nail-biting wait, a specially-appointed returning officer announced the result of the election and the first pupil/ teacher council meeting will be held this week.

Headteacher Lindsay Gray said: "Pupils are the main consumers so it is common sense to listen to their views. The election also taught our pupils about the democratic process.