LATEST polls show the Liberal Democrats are tied with the Conservatives after the latest political debate saw sparks flying between the three main parties.

But this leadership debate was not televised. It was held in front of schoochildren at Blackrod Church School who quizzed the three main candidates standing for the Bolton West seat in the General Election.

The youngsters then voted for the politicians who impressed themthe most.

The Conservative Party’s Susan Williams, Lib Dem candidate Jackie Pearcey and Labour’s Julie Hilling faced around 100 children yesterday.

The vote revealed the Lib Dem and the Conservatives each received 38 votes, with Labour on 31.

Mrs Hilling said: “I am disappointed with the vote and I hope this does not happen in the General Election”.

Headteacher James Royal said: “This is about involving young people in democracy, which we do at school through the school council and help pupils understand the importance about having their day through proper and appropriate channels. ”

Candidates fielded questions about SATs, dog fouling, litter, allowing mobile phones in schools and how roads in Blackrod can be made safer and better for young cyclists.

Emily Unsworth, aged 10, said: “Before today I did not really have a view about who I would vote for, but I do now. It was very interesting to listen to the candidates and this will help and encourage us to vote in the future.”

Owen Bradshaw, aged 11, said: “I think I will change the way I vote after hearing the answers. SATs are very stressful and teacher assessments are much better and helpful to pupils.”

The three candidates said that the exercise would help engage young people in politics Mrs Williams said: “This is important for the future, to go to school and engage with young people.”