THEY might not be old enough to vote today, but children took to the ballot boxes for an election just as important — to elect Blackrod's first youth council.

Election fever has been hitting Blackrod Church School all week as ten candidates campaigned for just one of four seats on the new body.

Manifestos were written and impassioned speeches were made at an hustings event before the children cast their votes.

The winners were ten-year-olds Oliver Murphy, Katelyn McKendrey, McKenzie Jackson, and Ashley Foster.

Katelyn said: “I felt overwhelmed and really excited when I found out I had been elected.

“I think Blackrod needs more facilities like a petrol station, but now I have been elected I can put forward the views of young people in Blackrod.”

Oliver said: “I will do quite a lot for Blackrod now I have been elected. I stood because I thought it would be a good idea as I have ideas for Blackrod, including making it safer.”

Mckenzie believes a combination of her personality and ideas netted her the winning votes.

She made a badge with the worlds “vote Mckenzie”.

She said: “I am really excited to have been elected, I have an opportunity to represent Blackrod. I would like more community event s in Blackrod.”

Ashley said: “I stood because I live her and wanted to make Blackrod better. The campaign was fun but it was hard work.”

Headteacher James Royal said the count was very close between all the candidates.

He said: “Election fever has been electric at the school. It is the first time a youth council has been formed with elections taking place at this school and Blackrod Primary School.

“It has been challenging, but they have really enjoyed it. Ten young people put themselves forward out of a class of 30 which shows children do want to make a difference in the place they live and go to school.

“They will make a difference, and the ones who did not get elected will continue to make a difference.”

“It has given them an understanding of the democratic process.”

The elected officials will now meet regularly alongside the town councillors.

Voter Charlotte Wilkinson, aged eight, concluded: “The elections in school have been really good and exciting.

“I voted on personality and how they would represent young people in Blackrod. By voting people can make a change.”