WHILE the nation may be exhausted by the to-ing and fro-ing between the major political parties, last week's election was nothing but fun for pupils at Old Cleeve First School.

Year two teacher Dan Perry challenged his pupils to form three political parties of their own, complete with manifestos covering everything from education and money to health and the environment.

The youngsters came up with the Orange Bubblegum Party, the Speedy Volcanic Party and the Acorn Tree Party.

They made campaign posters and rosettes before writing a speech for their chosen leaders to deliver to pupils in years two, three and four in the hope of securing their votes.

When the big day came on Thursday, there were just two votes in it between the top two parties, but leader Caragh McKenna and her deputy James Flind managed to take their Speedy Volcanic Party to victory.

As a reward, the party was able to choose how the school should spend half a day and plumped to hold a fundraising non-uniform event.

Mr Perry said the election had been both good fun and educational.

He said: "It was very topical for the year twos as they went to the Houses of Parliament at the end of March and also looked at the story of Guy Fawkes, so this just followed on from that."

Pictured from the left are Kelly Willis, Lauren White, Rose Heard and Tom Millichip.

Photo: Steve Guscott