Blackburn with Darwen's Youth MP is taking early retirement after four years representing the borough's young people.

Muhammed Bapu was elected as deputy for the post aged just 14 in 2020 before taking up the main role two years later.

He is now stepping down as work starts to choose the next youth MP in March next year.

Muhammed, who turned 18 earlier this month, will make attending the national Youth Parliament at Westminster in November his last official role.

He will then pursue his Level 4 Commercial Supply and Procurement Operations Apprenticeship with a fragrance company in Haslingden.

Muhammed played a key role during the coronavirus pandemic promoting Covid-19 vaccination among young people and championing measures to support their health an well-being.

Born in Blackburn in 2005 he attended Roe Lee Park Primary School then Witton Park High School.

He was presented with the Blackburn with Darwen Mayoral Award in 2021 by then Mayor Cllr Suleman Khonat before being named One Voice 'Young Person of the Year' in 2022.

Muhammed told his last meeting of the borough's executive board this month: "I thing that now is the right time for me to take a step back and focus on being as successful as possible in my work and studies.

"Throughout this journey I have learnt and developed a lot with these past years providing me with a range of skills that will support me throughout my adult life.

"I have met some amazing people along this journey and know that the hard work to continuously improve our borough and to support young people will continue."

At the meeting borough children's services and education boss Cllr Julie Gunn told Muhammed: "You have been a really fine ambassador for the borough. I am incredibly grateful for your work as Youth MP."

She praised his 'amazing' work during the pandemic to promote the uptake of the vaccine among young people.

Cllr John Slater, leader of the borough council Conservative group, told Muhammed: "You have done a fantastic job. I have been really, really impressed."