Young people in Pendle are making their voices heard by electing representatives to the UK Youth Parliament.

Ten young people were nominated by schools and youth projects to represent their organisation at the election. The candidates and their supporters came to Nelson Town Hall, where the Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Allan Buck, hosted the election. The candidates each had two minutes to persuade young voters to put a cross alongside their name on the ballot paper.

The winner, who will be Nelson’s MYP (Member of the UK Youth Parliament) for the next two years, was Shane Dickinson from Earby. Gulham Abbass of Nelson, who came a close second, will support Shane and act as his deputy. The Youth Parliament gives young people a national voice on issues ranging from stop-and-search powers and violence against young people to fair trade, asylum seekers and facilities in rural areas.

As well as meeting with young people from all over the North West, previous MYPs from Lancashire have travelled to London, been to the House of Commons and met with the Prime Minister.

Shane said: “I’ve really grown in confidence since becoming a part of the Youth Council.

“Now I’m looking forward to working on the regional priority of improving transport for young people – especially the cost and the quality of services.”

Councillor Buck added: “Most MPs recognise the National Youth Parliament and the aim is to have every constituency in the United Kingdom represented by a Young Member of Parliament.

"This is a great initiative to get Pendle's youth involved in local their communities.”