YOUNG people from Stroud have elected their chosen representative for the UK Youth Parliament.

Alysha Bodman, 16, and Esther Mounce, 15, from Stroud High School will represent the teenagers in the constituency of Cotswolds and Stroud.

Alysha was elected as Member of Youth Parliament and Esther will serve as deputy MVP for a year.

“I am delighted to have won the election and have the opportunity to represent young people," said Alysha. "I am looking forward to working hard to improve Gloucestershire, tackle important issues and encourage my fellow young people to get involved with politics,"

The duo’s roles will involve meeting MPs and local councillors, organising local events, running campaigns, holding debates and ensuring the views of young people are listened to by decision makers.

They join Nathan Sexton from Cleeve School, Tyler Hyett from Millbrook Academy and Phoebe Hill from Pates Grammar school as Gloucestershire’s members of Youth Parliament.

Teenagers across the county voted via text message from a pool of 11 candidates in the three constituencies of Cotswolds/ Stroud, Cheltenham/ Tewkesbury and Gloucester/ Forest.

The elections took place as part of the UK wide UKYP elections and have been run in Gloucestershire by the Youth Support Team, which is provided by Prospects on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council.

Victoria Wright, a youth worker in team, said: “We have been delighted with how many young people have voted and exercised their democratic right. They have made their selections for MYP and we look forward to working with those who have been elected to help them fulfil the potential of the role.

“I hope the young people who voted will continue to make their views known to their MYPs so they can make their voice heard nationally.”

Paul Mclain, Cabinet member for children and young people at Gloucestershire County Council said: “The future of democracy is in the hands of young people, so it is great to see so many getting involved in electing their MYPs, in what is going to be a big year for British politics.

“Congratulations to those candidates who have been successful. I look forward working with each and every one to get to the heart of the issues that really matter to our county’s younger residents.”

The UKYP is run by young people, for young people, and provides opportunities for 11 to 18-year-olds to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change.

To find out more about becoming an MYP visit: http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/about-us/becoming-a-member/