PUPILS at a Romsey school went to the polls to elect their councillors and eco warriors.

Children at Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School, Church Lane, got a taste of how elections are run in an effort to learn more about democracy amid coronavirus.

The school’s acting deputy headteacher, Mark Harris, 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."

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He added: "Each class 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.

"In addition to our school councillors, each class elected two eco warriors. These eco warriors will be championing the school's efforts to be an environmentally aware and environmentally friendly school.

"We know that they will help inspire the school and wider community with what we can do to look after the world around us."

Holly Tree class teacher, Kathryn Holyland, said: “The Year 1 children showed excellent respect and encouragement to the whole class during the elections, which was very really good to see. We all enjoyed this process too.”

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The elections happened on Thursday, October 1.

This comes after the primary school won a music award for the second year running.

They became a Music Mark School member on September 14, which recognises the value schools put on music education.

The award was presented to the Romsey school for their commitment to delivering a broad and balanced curriculum and the nomination was made by Hampshire Music Services.