AN INVESTIGATION into how nursery toddlers were given drawing paper bearing Labour Party slogans has found there was no political motivation behind the incident.

Children from St Oswald's PreSchool, in Newton Aycliffe, proudly took artwork home to their parents last month.

The pictures were drawn on letter headed Labour paper emblazoned with slogans from Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson's 2007 election campaign.

Independent candidates in the forthcoming County Durham unitary council elections made a complaint against the pre-school and accused Labour of using the youngsters for electioneering.

Labour officials denied knowing how the paper ended up at the nursery.

The inquiry, by Great Aycliffe Town Council which runs the centre, found that a workman contracted to clear the MP's old office had donated the paper and it had been accepted in good faith.

It concluded nothing about the matter was done maliciously or was an attempt to publicise the Labour Party.

It states: "While it may have been naive to use the paper, the staff were not aware of the current political climate so did not consider there would be any problem."

Mr Wilson said: "I think it is sad that someone felt it necessary to complain about this, but am pleased the issue is now resolved."

No further action against staff will be taken, but to avoid similar occurrences the town clerk will approve any future donations from companies or organisations.

Coun Bill Blenkinsopp, an independent member of Great Aycliffe and Sedgefield Borough Councils, said: "I do think an investigation was necessary to find out what happened and ensure there are no misunderstandings in future."