A local junior school have given their pupils a chance to learn about democracy while also raising money for a local charity.

Pupils at Kenningtons Primary Academy, in South Ockendon, held their annual democracy day giving a few of the pupils a chance to pitch their chosen charity to their peers and other classes before the polls opened.

he children then get a chance to vote for a £1 donation, the winning charity is then given the amount raised.

It was a close result, but year six pupil and advocate for Little Havens Hospice, Sabrina, was ecstatic when the charity won by just three votes.

The school were joined by Little Havens Hospice’s Community Fundraiser Olivia Watson and their mascot Betsey the Butterfly for the results where Sabrina and her classmates handed them a donation for £407.35

Matthew Newland, Pupil Responsibility Lead at Kenningtons said, “It’s important for the children to understand how democracy works and a fun way to show them is to give them a chance to take part in their own election for good causes.

“We’re really pleased with the engagement we get from the pupils every year that we do this and the icing on the cake is knowing that we are also getting them engaged with local charity.”

Olivia added, “On behalf of everyone at Little Havens, I want to say a big thank you to all the pupils and staff at Kenningtons for holding a democracy day to support charities and for voting for us.

“We must raise over £46,000 a week to be there for every child that needs us, and we can only raise this because of our wonderful supporters who hold fundraising events for us. Betsy and I enjoyed our morning at the school, thank you to Sabrina and all her classmates for making us so welcome – you really are all Havens Heroes!”