A SIXTH-form student is hoping to become Britain's youngest ever councillor when he stands for election next month.

Sadaquat Amin, 18, of Park Street, Haslingden, is standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate in the Worsley ward in Rossendale, despite still attending high school.

He has been taking time out from his A-level studies to canvass for support, and said he hoped to make a difference for young people in the area.

Sadaquat, who took the chance to stand after the Government lowered the age limit from 21 last year, said he was a normal teenager who wanted to do something for the community.

And he hopes a seat on Rossendale Council will help him on his way to his ultimate goal of becoming an MP.

He said: "I have always been interested in politics and I want to make a difference for my community. A lot of people see young people doing bad things so it would be good to show we are not all like that.

"When the chance came up, I just went for it."

Sadaquat is already no stranger to political debate - he is a member of Rossendale Youth Council and also represents the borough in the national youth parliament.

He is studying politics, history, sociology and religious studies at Haslingden High School and is planning to go to Manchester Metropolitan University to read politics with sociology.

He works as a youth counsellor and advisor at Haslingden library in his spare time.

He said: "My friends think I'm a bit weird because I'm always reading the politics section in papers but I've had a really good response from everyone when I'm out campaigning.

"I'm just a normal teenager. I like to go out with my friends and doing what people my age do.

"My dad stood for the council in Pakistan and I believe my grandparents were also involved in politics, but I'm the first in the family to go into politics in Britain. I think it's important to get involved in improving your local area."

Catherine Pilling, spokesman for the Rossendale Liberal Democrats, said it was good to see someone so young taking an active role in politics.

She said: "So many people are disillusioned with politics and it is important to try and attract younger people to vote. Having Sadaquat as a candidate is great both for his studies and for us as a party."

Council leader Duncan Ruddick, from the Conservative group, said: "It's good to see young people getting involved in politics and taking an interest in their community, although obviously I would prefer young Conservatives winning seats, so I can't wish Sadaquat good luck on this occasion!"

If Sadaquat wins, he will take the record from 21-year-old Coun Dan Shortland, also a Liberal Democrat, who serves on South Somerset District Council.