YOUNGSTERS from across the region have told North-west politicians and decision makers what they think about a wide range of issues at a special meeting at Goodison Park.

Leigh, Lowton and Golborne young people led the way at the Backchat conference.

Scott Williams from Lowton, Pamela Leigh from Leigh and Kelly Swift from Stubshaw Cross led workshops where they discussed issues ranging from drugs to bullying with the support of youth workers Julie Hilling, Mel Cronin, Merry McDonald and Sue Lewis. Questions raised from these workshops were then put to a panel of experts in a "Question Time" hosted by Anthony Wilson.

The question that got most applause from young people was "Why don't adults show young people any respect and why won't they listen to what we've got to say?"

Adults in the audience were told it will be today's youth that will pay their pensions, so they should ensure young people get the education and training necessary to afford to do this.

"It was great to be shown respect from adults at this conference," said Rachael Ward from Golborne. "They really seemed to be listening to what we had to say."

Scott Williams added the conference was "really worthwhile".

He added: "Every young person should be given the chance to have their say."

Other young delegates from Leigh were Darren Speers and Joanne Sale.

Frank McKenna, leader of the regional assembly said that he hoped this would be the first event of many and supported the idea for a Regional Young People's council as part of the regional assembly structure.