CHILDREN in primary schools in West Devon and East Cornwall joined in the fun of the General Election last week when they cast their own votes.
The youngsters don't of course qualify for a say in who sits in the national Parliament, but they were able to explore the entire democratic process in the weeks leading up to the election — and cast their own votes for their favourite parties.
At St Andrew's school in Buckland Monachorum, year 6 pupils created their own parties.
They campaigned on local, national and school issues and all the school's pupils voted for their favourites.
Deputy headteacher Julie Curtis said: 'The parties have created slogans, posters, election songs, manifestos and displayed their work, while helping the whole school to develop citizenship skills and learn about democracy.'
At Gunnislake, the students took part in a national scheme set up by the Government on the Internet.
Officials and candidates for the Healthy, Fit and Tidy parties were drawn from a hat.
Manifestos were downloaded and campaigns raged for the support of fellow pupils and staff, before voting on Thursday — members of staff away on courses were granted postal votes!