YOUNG people are being urged to share a role in Lancashire democracy by joining their district youth council.

Elections will be taking place throughout February and March to elect members of Lancashire Youth Council's Executive and UK's Youth Parliament.

Members of the Youth Council Executive meet with Lancashire County Council's Cabinet four times a year to discuss matters such as public transport, re-cycling or improving sports and social provision for young people.

The county's 12 district youth councils will each elect three young people. Two of the young people will become members of the Lancashire Youth Council Executive for a year and the third individual will sit on the UK Youth Parliament for two years.

Anyone aged 11-25 is eligible to join their district youth council which meets at least once a month and is fully inclusive, welcoming young people with special educational needs and from the care system to ensure that their needs are fully considered.

Lancashire County Council's Leader, County Coun Hazel Harding, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming even more young people to our district youth councils over the coming weeks.

"We have enjoyed lively debates with the Youth Council's Executive members who have put forward challenging and well researched arguments on many issues.

"Many people wrongly assume that young people are not interested in politics, but we have seen that the young people of Lancashire have a healthy interest in making a difference and are keen for their voices to be heard."

Any youngsters wanting more information on joining their district youth council should call 01772 532834.