CHILDREN teamed-up with civic leaders and planted a rose to celebrate Local Democracy Week.

Hazel Harding, leader of Lancashire County Council, and Rossendale Mayor Coun Jimmy Eaton, visited pupils at Crawshawbooth Primary School to plant a red rose of Lancashire.

Coun Harding explained the importance of Local Democracy Week: "We're visiting schools across the coounty to raise the profile of local democracy. A lot of people, it seems, do not realise the importance of casting their vote.

"The more we talk to young people about their future, the better it will be."

County councillors hope schools selected to receive the roses will incorporate the blooms into classes in citizenship.

Paul Gabriel, Crawshawbooth Primary School headteacher, said: "We already have a school council to encourage children to take responsible decisions.

"We teach the 'Five Cs': Care. Consideration. Concentration. Courtesy. Co-operation. I am sure we will incorporate the lessons of this rose planting into our existing classes at the school."