If the name is anything to go by, then one student taking part in an exercise in politics is sure to go far.

For Heather Pankhurst, 15, is a direct descendant of Emmeline Pankhurst, the famous suffragette and campaigner for the right of women to vote.

Heather revealed the connection while taking part in a mock Euro-elections campaign at her school, St Benedict's College in Norman Way, Colchester.

Teacher Steve Woodhurst said: "Heather has been a student here for four years yet none of us were aware of the famous connection until a few days ago."

It came to light as year 10 student Heather, of Heathfields, Eight Ash Green, and three of her friends campaigned within the school under the banner of the Donut Party and with a slogan "we're good all around".

She said: "When I was at primary school doing a project my mum told me I was a distant relative of Emmeline Pankhurst. It didn't mean much to me then but as I got older I understood more about what she stood for."

All students taking part in the project, designed to give them an insight into politics and public speaking, have had to form a pretend political party, draw up a mock manifesto and speak to 200 students in assembly about their campaign.

The students today go to the ballot box to cast their votes.

Deja vu? Heather finds the Suffragette within

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