NEVER mind the new X-Box computer -- children at a Nelson school are more interested in putting their X in the ballot box.

And teachers at Walverden Primary School, which is setting up its own school council for pupils, are hoping the election will prevent bullying and name-calling while involving youngsters in future decisions.

The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Colin Waite, officially declared the elections open by cutting a ribbon before the pupils got a taste of local democracy.

Booths and ballot boxes were borrowed from the council and each of the eight classes in the school voted for a boy and a girl from their form to be elected to the council.

Year six children were the returning officers and there was also a security team to make share everything was done by the book.

Elaine Chamber, head of year six and co-ordinator of the project, said: "The secretary was there with the register of electors and they had to say their name before they were given a ballot paper. We even put pencils on string in the booths.

"The main point of it was to see how democracy works in this country and to show them how their parents vote. It was interesting and we had a lot of fun. The returning officers then counted the votes and the elected candidates were announced the following day.

"We also want to stamp out any bullying or name-calling which may be taking place. The children have got to feel something is being done. They can speak to a school council representative, if they don't want to tell a teacher."

Those chosen to be on the council were: Class 3, Charmaine Singh and Umar Ahmed; 3X, Sophie Morgan and Robbie Cassidy; 4, Aneela Ahmed and Ibtesaam Anjum; 4X, Saniah Butt and Dean Edwards; 5, Jade Wyld and Aidan Jones; 5X, Megan Kelly and Joshua Denson; 6, Rosanne Jones and Adrian Lingard; 6X Jessica Turpin and Kafil Aslam.

They have all been presented with sashes in the school colours of green and black with a silver stripe down the centre.

Mrs Chamber said: "They all prepared manifestos and drew portraits of themselves which were in the hall and they nominated themselves. It is to involve them and make them part of the decision-making of the school. They are quite astute and intelligent and some of the things they notice are things we may not be aware of.

"They have asked for things like changes to the toilets, somewhere to sit in the playground, a first aid room and a tuck shop.

"We also put emphasis on what would make them a good leader. They were saying things like they would have to get on with everybody, even the people they don't like, and would listen to them."

It is hoped the council will meet once a month during school time.

The next step is to decide which of the representatives will fulfil the positions of chairman and secretary to take the minutes.