STAFF and pupils at a Romsey primary school have been learning about democracy and how elections are run.

Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School held elections to select their School Councillors and Eco Warriors for each class.

Mark Harris, the school’s acting Deputy Headteacher, said “Both pupil voice and developing the leadership qualities of the children are really important to us as a school.

"Each class set up their own bubble polling station complete with ballot box and voting cards. We wanted to give children their own first-hand experience of democracy at work and how elections are run. It seemed fitting to hold it on a Thursday just as it would be in national elections.

"Each class has elected two school councillors who will work with the school's leadership team to make ongoing suggestions and improvements to school life. They will represent their peers and ensure that every child has a voice into how the school runs and what it does. School council will also take a lead on organising and running whole school events throughout the year.”

Each class also elected two Eco Warriors to champion the school's efforts to be more environmentally friendly.

Mr Harris added: "There has been a great excitement about the whole election process and we are looking forward to seeing all the great work our newly elected school council and eco warriors will achieve in the coming year.

"We are really proud of how seriously the pupils took these elections and know that those elected will be excellent role models for the rest of their classes."

Class teacher of Holly Tree Class Kathryn Holyland said children in Year 1 had really enjoyed filling ballot boxes at the polling station.