Ribble Valley Youth Parliament representative elected (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Ribble Valley Youth Parliament representative elected

6:00pm Friday 24th February 2012 in Brierfield By Jessica Cree, Education reporter

YOUNG people in the Ribble Valley have elected a new member of youth parliament.

Elections have been held to select the new Ribble Valley Youth Parliament representative, who ensures that the voices of young people are heard on a local and national level.

There were two nominees for the role and 16-year-old Michael Hickey, from Watt Street, Sabden, received the most votes.

Michael attends the sixth form at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and said he was most looking forward to organising more activities for different age groups.

He said: “I definitely want to make sure there are more things to do, especially more sports events.

“I am really looking forward to all the things I get to do and the opportunities to meet different people.”

Former leader, Maisy Whipp, 14, was given the role of deputy and Jackie McKenzie, 16, was elected as the council executive.

The voting was open to people aged 11-19 and nominees for the roles had been put forward by pupils from all over East Lancashire.

Tim Blezard, team leader for Ribble Valley young people’s services, said it was encouraging to see teenagers getting involved in their communities and in politics.

He said: “There is always going to be young people out there who want to make a difference.

“A lot of positive young people do a lot of positive things to benefit young and old people.”

Mark Perks, Lancashire's cabinet member for young people, said: "The youth councils play a vital role in ensuring that people like myself fully understand the issues of interest and concern to young people.”

To find out more about how to get involved with Lancashire's Young People's Service visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/yps

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