THERE wasn't a creepy crawly or snake in sight, but victory was sweet for Councillor Chris Van Roon as he was crowned king of the jungle.

The I'm A Councillor Get Me Out Of Here contest has been running for the past three weeks and saw five councillors go head to head vying for the title.

Coun Van Roon won 69 per cent of the vote in the final stages where he fought off competition from Labour's deputy leader Barrie Thompson.

Coun Van Roon, Tory councillor for Stratton St Margaret, said: "I'm obviously very happy to have won and have really enjoyed myself.

"I was asked some really interesting questions and hopefully the young people involved have gained a greater understanding of local government as a result."

Aged 25, Coun Van Roon was the youngest of the five competing councillors and says he's still in touch with issues concerning youngsters in the town.

Runner-up Coun Thompson, ward councillor for Parks, said: "I really enjoyed answering the questions and I hope the young people of Swindon also enjoyed taking part in the event."

Instead of undertaking stomach-churning jungle challenges, the politicians had to answer questions fired at them online by some of the town's school children.

Topics ranged from environment to housing through to crime and anti-social behaviour.

At the end of each week the youngsters voted for their favourite.

The action began on the October 4 and Coun Chris Van Roon took an early lead.

Competing councillors posted their manifestos, took part in live chats and answered youngsters' burning questions.

Labour leader David Nash was ousted after the first week. He was followed by Conservative councillor for Moredon, Colin Lovell, and Freshbrook Lib Dem Chris Shepherd at the end of week two.

Last year's winner was Tory Justin Tomlinson, the Abbey Meads councillor who is chasing the North Swindon parliamentary seat.

Based on the popular ITV show I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, singer and TV presenter Kerry MacFadden was crowned the queen of the jungle in the last series.

The local government version was designed to raise young people's interest in politics.

Caroline Pike, council spokeswoman, said: "Local young people loved the event, which was in its second year, and they learnt a great deal about politics and citizenships."

A new series of the hit TV show is set to reach our TV screens next month.