28821CHIPPENHAM NEWS: FORGET about taxes, the euro or the NHS crisis as teenagers in Chippenham are in the middle of their own school election this week.

Pupils from Hardenhuish Secondary School are taking part in school council elections, campaigning on issues of good behaviour, litter and setting a good example.

Candidates have been campaigning ahead of a nail-biting school election on Thursday.

Teacher Peter John said: "Citizenship is quite well supported in school. T he Year 10 and 11 children take part in democracy lessons as part of the citizenship.

"The best way to understand democracy is to see whether you have voted for someone who is not doing what they should do. Also the children feel they have more call in school affairs.

"The elected children are responsible and accountable as everyone in the school knows their face.

"They are campaigning on issues the school council raised last year.

"For example views on litter, encouraging good behaviour and setting a good example."