THE precious flame of democracy is being kindled at a Barrow primary school where 150 pupils from six classes have elected their own MPs.

Next Friday Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School's 'parliament' will sit for the first time – but first the children invited Barrow MP John Woodcock for a lively question-and-answer session to get the lowdown on the world of politics.

Mr Woodcock said: "The children and their teachers have done an amazing job of organising their own elections, complete with drawing up manifestos, holding secret ballots and establishing a school parliament.

"I was really impressed. The children have agreed to email me the decisions taken by their first parliament and I am looking forward to seeing their ideas.

They have already come up with a good plan for raising money for the school and they are going to look at ways of improving things on the estate where some of the children live.

"Credit is due to deputy head teacher Dawn Hubbold who had the idea for the children to hold school elections which links in well with the British values part of the curriculum."

Mr Woodcock fielded questions from the pupils for around an hour in the school’s main assembly hall.

He explained how he became to be selected for the seat of Barrow and Furness, and he outlined the role of an MP.

But Mr Woodcock wasn't quizzed exclusively about politics – he was also invited to name his favourite colour.

The Labour politician was forced to concede that his favourite colour is blue.

With a smile he quickly explained that his inclination comes from the colours worn by Sheffield Wednesday – the team he grew up with – and has nothing to do with the Conservative party.