Children from Rayne Primary School got to take part in the X-Factor thanks to Braintree District Council (BDC).

BDC gave children the opportunity, not to sing, but to have a say on how they could make their village a better place to live for the whole community.

Children from Beckers Green, Cressing, John Ray Junior, Notley Green, Stisted C of E, White Court, School, and Edith Borthwick Schools also took part in the event held at Causeway House, Braintree.

The children voted for each others’ ideas using a traditional voting arrangement with a ballot paper, giving the traditional “X” to their favourite.

The best ideas chosen by the pupils were:

? First place: Preventing Litter Video Competition suggested by Notley Green School

? Second place: Playground wardens: keeping children safe from bullying and dealing with vandalism suggested by Becker Green School

? Third place: Pick up Poo (PuP): an initiative cleverly using the word “pup” linked to installing more dog bins and a “PuP” logo designed by children to encourage dog owners to pick up dog mess.

This is the last of three events, being held across the Braintree District modelled around the X Factor television programme. They give children the chance to vote on the idea they think has the X-factor and which will best improve their local area.

Portfolio holder for Clean, Green and Safe Cllr Wendy Schmitt said: “The event builds on previous very successful X Factor events which the children thoroughly enjoy.

“We had some great ideas from the children today which we hope to take forward. The Council seeks to engage with everyone in the District and these events are a novel way of getting children interested in the democratic process and making decisions on where they live.”