GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM Primary School was transformed into a polling station last week when year fives battled it out to become Prime Minister for the day.

The Philosophical Pink Party beat two other groups to rule the school for one day next week.

Nine and ten-year-olds devised a manifesto and logo which they presented to the whole school, before students and teachers voted for the winner.

Headteacher, Fiona Allen said: "We thought it would be really good as part of the curriculum to hold a mock election on the same day as the general election.

"We've had a brilliant time. I think they have learnt a large amount about democracy and citizenship."

The parties put forward parliamentary candidates who would become Prime Minister and Deputy and their manifestos covered education, health and crime.

"Every single child had a vote," Mrs Allen said. "We had a returning officer, clerk and ballot boxes."

She said the Philosophical Pink Party beat the Persevering Purple Party and the Tiny Turquoise Turtle Party by just 11 votes and it was so close there were three re-counts.

Their ideas for the future included re-opening Corsham railway station, having more non-school uniform days so they can raise money for charity and educating people against crime and vandalism.