Children create Democratic Republic of Bridport

A group of children have created their own country as part of a summer holiday workshop.

The 20 eight to 14-year-olds set up the "Children's Democratic Republic of Bridport" in the Dorset town.

They planned its flag, anthem, transport and justice systems during the project run by local charity The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares.

It culminates with the opening of the country's "embassy" in South Street on Friday.

The Bridport-based charity runs programmes to develop children's creativity.

Organiser Ed Swift described the project as "our take on the ideal country".

"The young people had a look around at how adults have dealt with problems around the world and decided they could do it quite a bit better."

The children worked in groups to discuss all aspects of a fictional republic.

Among the country's new transport policies, waterslides would replace buses and trains.

Eleven-year-old Cecily said: "I think there should be better ways of dealing with crime and punishment.

"So we did an acting scene about what we would do with someone who stole a jumper.

"We got them help and they went to a therapist and they set up a support system for them.

"There is something really special about being with the same people with the same creative thoughts," she added.

The country's "embassy" is opening in South Street during the coming weekends, giving visitors the chance to see the children's work, apply for a passport and take a citizenship test.

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