PUPILS at a Herefordshire high school have held their own general election.

The exercise in democracy involved all the children at John Kyrle High School in Ross-on-Wye.

Headteacher Nigel Griffiths said: "We hold elections to mirror those nationally, and also held a referendum on the EU in 2016.

"It is crucial that students understand democracy and its importance. Once the general election result is decided, we discuss with students how their decisions differed from, or were similar to, those nationally.

"This was particularly interesting in 2016 when the vast majority of our students voted to remain in the EU.

"The student candidates who took part in the election did a great job. They produced their own manifestoes, visited assemblies and spoke to tutor groups.

"In addition, they were an active presence around the school at social times answering questions from students.

"The candidates will be recognised next year at prize-giving when they will receive the Brent Vinall Award for British Values."  

"Mock elections actively engage students with the democratic process and show how politics affects their everyday lives," said Mr Griffiths.

This is how the youngsters voted:

Green Party 28%

Labour 25%

Conservative 24%

Lib Dems 19%

(spoilt ballot papers 4%)