CLAIRE Martin has been chosen to represent St Helens in the new Youth Parliament.

Claire, aged 15, who lives in Fingerpost, was elected as the borough's Member of the new Youth Parliament (MYP) by young people at an election day at the Town Hall.

A pupil of St Augustine of Canterbury School, keen swimmer Claire will be responsible for liaising with other young people to find out their views and concerns.

As a member of the UK Youth Parliament - an independent, non-party political organisation which aims to give young people a voice - Claire will be responsible for ensuring that the needs and opinions of young people in St Helens are heard at local and national level.

She will attend meetings in the borough, which will be open to young people or youth groups who have issues they want to raise.

Claire, a member of the Sherdley Park Youth Project and Fingerpost Detached Project, said: "I am looking forward to taking on this important role and I believe that I know what young people want.

"In St Helens, there is a need for improved youth facilities and this, I know, is an issue that the council is looking to address".

Claire will travel to London to join other elected MYPs from local authorities across the country and will work with ministers to produce a Youth Manifesto.

St Helens MPs, Dave Watts and Gerry Bermingham, along with Councillor Linda Maloney, executive member for Leisure and Culture and Councillors Margaret McLachlan, Carole Kavanagh and Leon McGuire attended the St Helens election day.