FOR most of us it's a straight choice - Tory, Lib Dem or Labour.

However, pupils at an Alresford school can choose from a host of political parties, including The Gluten Free Party, The Bohemian Party and The Standing At The Back Looking And Sounding Stupid Party.

To coincide with the General Election, Perins School is holding its own mock election on May 5. Pictured left are some of the 18 candidates.

All students and staff will be casting their votes after weeks of campaigning and manifestos.

A spokesman for the school said: "A great deal of rivalry and fun has already started and the students are extremely enthusiastic about the whole process."

Three of the real candidates for the Winchester constituency - Mark Oaten, Lib Dem; Patrick Davies, Labour and Conservative candidate George Hollingbery - will be visiting the school over the next week to talk to the students.

Also standing in Winchester are David Abbott, UKIP, and Independent candidate Arthur Pendragon.

For more on the 2005 General Election campaign see pages 8 & 9 of today's Daily Echo.