PUPILS experienced campaigning and voting for the first time in a school election.

Teachers at a St Patrick's School, in Longfield Ave, Walthamstow, organised a school election in line with the general election on May 6.

Year 5 pupils learned about democracy and its history and created four parties called, Purple Stars, Golden Regenerators, The Terrific Turn and Understanding Children’s Community (UCC).

Each party selected a party leader, made posters and badges and came up with manifestos.

On Thursday, April 29, each party leader gave a speech to the school and guest parliamentary candidates including Stella Creasy and Farid Ahmed.

Pupils Joshua Silvani and Marie Tighe, both aged ten, said that the different parties canvassed in the run-up to the election and some made mini flags or sold cakes and fruit smoothies for charity.

The elected party was the Purple Stars.

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