Primary school pupils have been voted into office following a poll among their peers.

A ballot was staged to elect the first school council at St Joseph's RC Primary, in Gilesgate, Durham.

Children eager to stand for places produced manifestos, leaflets, badges and posters, in traditional election fashion.

All pupils from Year Two to Year Six were eligible to vote in ballot boxes at classroom polling stations.

Deputy headteacher Catherine Craig said yesterday that the election aroused great interest among the 100 pupils.

"The children were really enthusiastic about it and very few didn't put themselves forward, so it was quite interesting to see their reaction when the results were announced," she said.