When it comes to the big day on May 7 the ballot box will be black with white writing.

But at Coulsdon College having it the other way round was enough to make the students realise that young people’s voices can matter in a general election.

Youths at the college in Placehouse Lane, Coulsdon, took part in a mock election last week and learned about why they should sign up for the electoral register.Your Local Guardian:

The college’s student president Pius Ofori said: “Young people think their vote does not matter when it comes to decision making and I think it showed them that their votes really do matter.

“I think it’s really important for young people to vote because it gives them a chance to have a say in the decision making that affects them.

“There are more than 3m young people in the country who aren’t voting and this has made Coulsdon College students realise it is important.

“If you have a vote then you have a better chance for your voice to be heard.”

Pius said he believes the voter drive reached all of the college’s students with at least 100 filling in electoral registration forms and others signing up online.

It was organised in association with campaign group Croydon Citizens.