TIME is running out for Pendle's young politicians to step up on to the hustings and prove their worth as a future Tony Blair or Michael Howard.

Students are being encouraged to try their hand at being an MP by setting up their own version of the House of Commons for the National Youth Parliament competition - and entries close next month.

Successful students could be following in the footsteps of Edge End High School student Aliya Iqbal. She scooped the title of 'best backbencher' for the UK West region in this year's contest while Edge End received a special award for its 'spontaneity and student engagement'.

The Citizenship Foundation, a charity which teaches young people about the law, democracy and society, has organised the event and hopes other young politicians in Pendle will follow in the schools footsteps and keep up the area's reputation for debate.

Foundation chief executive Tony Breslin said: "All participants in the competition gained invaluable skills and understanding for long-term engagement in our democracy.

"Edge End had the added benefit of a well-deserved success to celebrate. We hope this encourages others to enter and win again."

The competition involves teams of 11 to 18-year-olds taking on the role of Government, Opposition and backbench MPs. They make a 20-minute video of their debate on a mock bill which is then judged by MPs in Westminster.

The topic is suggested by the Citizenship Foundation and resources packs are available on-line. Prizes are available for Best Prime Minister, Speaker of the House, Opposition spokesman and backbencher. The winning team will also get digital video cameras.

The deadline for registration is December 1 and video entries must be submitted by March 17, 2005. Contact the Citizenship Foundation on 0207 367 0500 or visit www.citizenshipfoundatio

n.org.uk/nypc