There’s a swing to the yellow teddy...

Harrison Butterworth weighs the issues and casts his vote...

They may be too young to vote in next week’s elections, but the toddlers at a Chadderton nursery still had the chance to elect a winner.

The youngsters at Victoria Brook Nursery listened intently as three children’s stories, represented by red, blue and yellow teddies, were read to them by local councillors.

And then they used their votes to choose their favourite teddy and book.

Top of the poll was the yellow teddy with “The Tiddler”, about a small fish, which was read by Liberal-Democrat councillor Barbara Beeley.

Second was the blue teddy with “Not So Loud Oliver”, about a very noisy owl, read by Conservative councillor Eileen Hulme, and third was the red teddy with “My Dad’s a Giant”, read by Labour councillor Olwen Chadderton.

Victoria Brook’s owner, Angela Kirkham, said: “It was really good fun and the children knew it was important to vote for people who look after our country and councillors who look after our town.

“They learned how important it is to listen to people and choose.

“We also had two PCSOs on the door, and one little girl dressed as a policewoman for security, checking the children’s passes as they went in.

“And when they voted we had screens up so they wouldn’t copy their friends but make their own minds up.”

Catch up with the candidates at www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/elections/