FROM pogo sticks and class pets to fruit trees and a weather station, children at a Tynedale first school have campaigned for them all.

The ideas were just a selection of those proposed by classes at Broomley First School in Stocksfield as part of ther annual democracy day.

But it was the school council, along with the village’s county councillor, Anne Dale, who had the tricky task of deciding on how the £100 budget should be spent.

“We started this about eight or nine years ago and it’s a great opportunity for the children to learn that democracy is about freedom of choice,” said Coun. Dale.

“Sitting with the children and encouraging them to think of others, as well as which projects best fit the criteria we laid out, is a wonderful process.”

A sustainable, green and on budget idea, which benefits the whole school and supports learning was the challenge given.

But it was Year Four’s ideas to invest in a weather station and hedgehog habitat, as well as the reception class proposal for an apple tree and strawberry plants, which will be implemented.

“I think we’ve ended up stretching the budget a little,” said Coun. Dale. “But the thought that had gone into everything put forward was impressive.”

Reception class teacher Amy Shepherd, who helped coordinate the day, said: “There are two representatives from each year group elected on to the school council, so this idea is a great way of helping the whole school to understand what the council is there for, and that their ideas really count.”