A HYNDBURN student is to represent millions of teenagers when he lobbies the House of Commons for better travel schemes for young people.

Hamza Jahanzeb, 16, has been chosen as one of 11 members of the first national Youth Select Committee, which was launched this week by the British Youth Council.

The committee mirrors the UK Parliament Select Committee structure and gives young people the opportunity to scrutinise and hold enquiries into topics of interest.

The group’s first inquiry, in July, will look at making safe, affordable and accessible transport for young people, with the findings then being considered in Parliament.

Hamza, who is from Accrington and studies at Clitheroe Grammar School, said he was keen to make a difference.

He said: “I travel 25 miles daily to study for my A-levels, so I know some of the issues young people like me face with public transport.

“I was astonished to see how different concessionary and free travel schemes were operating for young people in different parts of the country.

“I applied to be on the Youth Select Committee because I want to support young people who are campaigning to improve public transport in the North West.”

The Youth Select Committee is open to take evidence between now and mid-May.

Dara Farrell, 18, vice-chairman of the youth council, said: “We are really pleased to have Hamza on the select committee.

“Young people have chosen transport for the first inquiry with 65,000 young people voting it a priority, and endorsed by votes at the British Youth Council and UK Youth Parliament last year. It is clearly an important local issue to young people across the UK.”

Jan Royall, Labour’s leader in the House of Lords, said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the launch of the Youth Select Committee. Young people care passionately about the important issues facing our country and the committee will be a great way for young people’s voices to be heard loud and clear.”