PUPILS from Giggleswick School, near Settle, took time out from tutorials and revision to vote for the first time in their lives.

Joshua Warburton, a day pupil at the North Yorkshire school whose polling station is just a short walk away, turned 18 just one day before the polls opened and he was thrilled to be able to have his say.

"I learnt a bit about French political history when we staged Les Miserables earlier in the year and it made me realise politics shapes so much of our lives," said Joshua. "I am really pleased I have been able to vote. If the election has been two days earlier I would not have been able to get involved."

Laurie Daws, a boarder at the school and registered to a polling station nearby, braved the rain to vote with friends Euan Ogilvie, Ben Taylor, and Will Bell, all first-time voters. He said being able to vote was “very exciting” and “a big responsibility”.

ENDS

Attachments:

1. Joshua Warburton votes the day after turning 18 at Settle Polling Station - Giggleswick School

2. Saskia Rockliffe-King and Elizabeth Bulmer submitting their postal vote - Giggleswick School

3. First time voters Ben Taylor, Will Bell, Laurie Daws and Euan Ogilvie at Giggleswick polling station- Giggleswick School

4. Abigail Pinfield of Ilkley votes in her first general election - Giggleswick School