DEMOCRACY is alive and well in Bolton - or at least in one primary school.

Pupils at Westhoughton Primary School are having a taste of politics, power and influence through a new democratically elected children's council.

Since the body was formed at the Central Drive school a year ago, teachers have seen a reduction in bullying and a number of pupil-inspired changes taking place. Youngsters have also learned to take more responsibility for their school and surroundings.

One of the decisions pupils have been making through the school council has centred around what the new school playground will be like.

Pupils have decided to designate a quiet area and have passed resolutions to transform a patch of wasteland in the school grounds into an environmental and wildlife haven. They have also suggested improving the school toilets.

Council members will have a say in what should be included in a new decorative mural that is being painted in the school yard. It is to have a "dream" theme and a professional artist will create it.

Pupils have also come up with ideas for games and books to include in a box which children can use during wet playtimes.

They have even turned their attention to healthy eating and have voted that on certain days children should only be able to buy healthy snacks, such as low-fat crisps.

Teachers believe pupils have flourished under their new-found responsibility. Seeing their ideas have a direct effect on their school has encouraged them to think more about how they can care for their surroundings.

But changing the school environment is not the only thing that pupils have learnt from being involved with the school council.

They have learnt about democracy, the art of debating and how to conduct formal meetings. To gain a place on the council, pupils are nominated by classmates, based on how well they talk and their ability to come up with ideas to represent their class. Elections are then held.

During meetings there is a set order which youngsters have to follow - no-one is allowed to shout out their opinions. Each meeting is headed by a chairman and minutes are taken.

After meetings, council members have to explain recommendations and decisions to the rest of the school.

Some council members have the additional responsibility of acting as "buddies". This means at break times they don special coats and hats and patrol the playground, ready to step in and try resolve arguments among younger children.

Deputy headteacher Carole Jones decided to start a school council after seeing one successfully run in her previous school.

Mrs Jones said: "It has given the children responsibility and I think that has really made them grow up.

"They've been learning how to look after the school and their environment.

"They have seen some of their ideas taken on board in the school and learnt that it's not just the teachers' school, it's everybody's."

Alexandra Ingram, aged nine, said: "We decided to have a quiet area in the playground so children can go there to read a book or chat with friends or you can spend time there if you're down in the dumps.

"We also want to build a garden that wildlife like hedgehogs and birds can use."

Jade Dale, aged eight, said: "We've made a lot of suggestions about the toilets. Some of the doors stick when you close them and we also want to have some air freshener put in."