GOVERNMENT plans to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 have been rejected by young people in Pendle.

Students from several schools met at Fisher More High School and returned an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the proposals, following a debate.

The meeting was organised by Pendle Council, which has to put forward its view on the issue to the Electoral Commission by mid-October.

Councillor Colin Waite, the council's cabinet member for democratic engagement, said: "They felt that the age should not be reduced until they can learn more about the democratic process and what is involved in being an elected representative at any level. Others felt they would be too busy studying to take an interest in politics and voting."

The council is also consulting with Pendle Youth Service on the issue and councillors will then put together a response to the Electoral Commission.