Portsmouth schoolchildren show politicians what their ideal country would look like

Children from primary schools across Portsmouth have spent the past five weeks developing their own countries, with help from Portsmouth High School in Southsea.

At the weekend, the pupils presented their countries to a panel of judges – Cllr Rob Wood, Stephen Morgan MP, Lord Mayor Cllr David Fuller and Lady Mayoress, Leza Tremorin.

Countries suggested ranged from tropical countries where tourism is illegal, to states with free education and 5.5bn residents.

After much deliberation over the nine entries, the judging panel awarded first place to Tahaani Laska and Marie Mitchell, for their Polar Island.

Polar Island, shaped like a polar bear, would see rivers and forests stretch for miles, with the country standing for equal rights and environmental protection.

Tahaani, age 10 from St Jude’s Primary School, said: ‘The best part of the project for me was doing the geography stuff and looking at where we wanted out country to be.

‘We put the island near Alaska because of my surname.

‘Marie and I have become really good friends now – I’m so happy to win but congratulations to everyone who took part.’

Marie, 10 from St Swithun’s Primary School, said: ‘It’s been a really fun project.

‘I really enjoyed making the coat of arms in the art class and making the whole country work.

‘I feels great to win. We wanted out country to be the best in the world.’