YOUNGSTERS from 23 areas in the North West are set to debate issues concerning them.

They will meet at Lancashire’s County Hall, in Preston, for the convention for members of the UK youth parliament (UKYP) and district youth councils.

Among the topics on the agenda are an update on the mental health campaign in the region and the latest on government consultations, including those focusing on childhood flu and immunisations.

Members of the UKYP will also get the chance to discuss their roles and responsibilities and to plan for the youth parliament's annual session in the House of Commons on November 14, which will be chaired by the Speaker John Bercow.

Matthew Tomlinson, the council's cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "The convention is an important stage in the process for young people to decide which issues will be discussed at the UKYP annual session in the House of Commons.

"This is a superb opportunity for young people to cut their political teeth.

“But it doesn't stop there, the youth parliament debate will be recorded in Hansard and broadcast live on BBC Parliament.”