YOUNGSTERS went to the polls this week and elected their new Youth MP.

More than 8,000 young people in schools, colleges and youth clubs across Blackburn with Darwen went to the polls this week and elected 16-year-old Elle Walsh as Blackburn's new Youth MP.

Elle was elected on her pledges of mental health awareness for young people across schools in the borough and for a curriculum for life campaign (C4L)

The announcement was made at a special ceremony at Blackburn Town Hall.

Elle said: "I could not be happier being voted by the young people in Blackburn with Darwen as their youth MP.

"I’m excited to see what the year has to offer and to be working with such a fantastic forum this year."

The MP’s duties will include attending the Council’s executive and scrutiny boards, representing young people’s voices in meetings and events and regularly visiting youth clubs and school councils from across the borough.

The new youth MP will also join all the youth MP’s from across the country where they will debate the top issues affecting young people in the House of Commons in November.