A NEW youth council has been launched, aimed at giving youngsters a democratic voice.

Hazel Harding, leader of Lancashire County Council, joined the leader of Pendle Borough Council Azhar Ali and young people from the area to launch the Pendle District Youth Council at Pendle Training Centre, Netherfield Road, Nelson.

Young people will form their own council and will be consulted by both the borough and county councils on issues affecting them. The launch of the scheme follows the success of the Hyndburn Youth Council, which has been operating for a year and has campaigned on several issues, including the installation of a youth shelter.

Elections will be held in February for the County Youth Council and United Kingdom Youth Parliament. They will mirror the existing adult political structures and again be used to consult on issues.

A county spokesman said: "These bodies will be influential in shaping services and industry locally and nationally, particularly where they affect young people.

"The Pendle Youth Council will engage young people in local and national democracy and include interaction with councillors and agencies in Pendle and Lancashire."

Senior figures from other agencies, including Chief Superintendent John Knowles from Lancashire Constabulary, were also present at the Pendle launch. Young people made presentations, asked questions and put forward thoughts on the future direction of the area.

County Councillor Hazel Harding said: "I am very encouraged by the enthusiasm of the young people who have already been involved in the UK youth parliament and have no doubt that Pendle Youth Council will be very successful.

"Preparation has been going on for 18 months, led by staff from Lancashire's Youth and Community Service and Pendle Council. This has been an opportunity to bring together a vibrant and influential group of young people who have already taken control of the way the Youth Council will be run. The preparation has drawn young people into local democracy, active citizenship, community involvement and volunteering."

Coun Ali added: "The young people involved will gain valuable insights into the working of democracy and communities. Some will go on to become leading members of our community.

"It is vitally important that we listen to them and address their concerns because in the same way that our decisions affect their lives today, the decisions their generation takes will affect all our lives in the future."