THE only Redditch councillor taking part in the reality web game I'm a councillor - Get me out of here! has been the first to get voted out by school pupils.

Town and Worcestershire county councillor Diane Thomas was joined in the county council competition by four other district councillors in answering questions put to them by students from schools and colleges across the county.

Councillor's views and responses to questions are monitored by the students and the ones which students feel do not come up to scratch are voted off - leaving one councillor as the overall victor.

The competition is being held as part of Local Democracy Week.

Commenting on her early departure, Councillor Thomas said: "I was very disappointed and surprised to be the first person to go.

"I think maybe other councillors went into schools and promoted themselves more and I tried to do this but, possibly because of the tight curriculum, didn't really get much response.

"I didn't seem to get many questions and those I did get were mainly from pupils in places such as Kidderminster and not from Redditch.

"I have always got on really well with young people and show a great interest in their welfare so my eviction came as a shock."

But she added: "Despite not lasting long, it was a really fun experience and extremely interesting - I just hope my reputation and credibility have not been damaged."

For any remaining councillor, who just simply finds the going too tough, they can also hit the eject button and exclaim: I'm a councillor - Get me out of here!