AN investigation has been launched after pre-school toddlers were given drawing paper bearing Labour Party election slogans.

Independent councillors accused Labour of using the youngsters for electioneering, but Labour officials said they do not know how the paper ended up at the nursery.

Children from St Oswald's Pre- School, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, proudly took artwork home to their parents last week.

The pictures were drawn on letterheaded Labour paper emblazoned with a yellow tick and a photograph of Sedgefield Labour MP Phil Wilson.

Independent candidates in the forthcoming County Durham unitary council elections have made a complaint against the pre-school.

Bill Blenkinsopp, an independent member of Great Aycliffe and Sedgefield Borough Councils, said: "For it to be sent home to children's parents, I do not think is right and proper. I think it was a mistake by pre-school staff and blatant electioneering by Labour.

"If they are going to stoop to that depth, it is time to call it a day. It is almost desperate.

"I am obviously not against the school having the paper, but it should not have party slogans on."

The paper was originally used by Mr Wilson's campaign team during last year's by-election when he replaced Prime Minister Tony Blair in the seat.

But Mr Wilson and staff at his constituency office in Newton Aycliffe denied donating it to the school and said it was Coun Blenkinsopp who was using the nursery for political gain.

Mr Wilson said: "I honestly haven't a clue how the paper got there.

"Those children are 15 or 16 years from voting. It is really sad someone has to use such young children for electioneering."

It is thought the paper was dumped in a skip after the byelection, so a well-meaning passer- by could have picked it out to recycle by donating it to the school.

The nursery, which cares for about 30 children, yesterday declined to comment further about how the paper came to be in its possession.

Andrew Bailey, the town clerk at Great Aycliffe Town Council, which runs the centre, said: "We have received a complaint and are investigating."