A BARNOLDSWICK councillor has been named Young Councillor of the Year at a national awards ceremony in London.

Lyle Davy, 19, who represents Barnoldswick was presented the award in the Local Government information Unit (LGiU) Councillor Achievement Awards, at Westminster on Monday night.

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The Tory councillor was believed to be the youngest councillor in Europe when he was elected in May last year.

The award was given in recognition of his efforts to encourage young people to vote and for his youth engagement work.

Cllr Davy said that he was ‘massively shocked’ to be announced as the winner.

He said: “There were more than 200 people shortlisted for the award so I was surprised to be shortlisted, never mind win.

“I am extremely thrilled, especially as the award is national and cross party.

“I’ll continue to encourage young people to exercise their right to vote and have their say in how their local area is run. More young people taking an interest in local democracy is the real result here.”

Lyle said he was inspired to go into politics after meeting prime minister David Cameron at the Alma Inn in Laneshawbridge in 2013, where he was working as a part-time barman.

A spokesman for the awards said: “Councillor Davy was selected for the award by demonstrating a commitment to working for his community.

“Elected in May he is the youngster councillor in Europe.

“Since then, his sheer volume and extent of achievement is highly impressive.”

He sits on Pendle Council’s Accounts and Audit Committee as the vice chairman, and on the West Craven Area Committee.

He is also a member of the Tour of Britain Working Group.

Councillor Davy is also on the shortlist for the Young Lancastrian of the Year Award, a category in the High Sherriff of Lancashire’s Award.

He will find out next week if he has won.

The LGiU is a think tank, a local authority membership organisation and it is also a registered charity.

They work with a network of councils, community groups, voluntary sector organisations, businesses and others with an interest in and commitment to local public services.