From the classroom to the ballot box (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

From the classroom to the ballot box

A CIRENCESTER Deer Park School pupil has been elected as the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Stroud and the Cotswolds.

Emily Waddell heard of the Government's Youth Parliament scheme through her school, and despite not always having been interested in politics, decided to run for election.

She said: "It's about time young people got a say in what happens to us."

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) was launched at the House of Commons in 1999, and is an independent charity which aims to give youngsters the chance to express their views through the voice of regionally elected representatives.

Fifteen-year-old Emily, who is also interested in dance and music, is one of 400 MYPs across the UK aged between 11 and 18.

As part of her action she plans to campaign for free gym membership for the county's under-18s in a bid to back the Government's raising awareness of child obesity.

Emily said: "I'm confident addressing large audiences. People may say I'm opinionated, but I enjoy sticking up for people, especially those my own age.

"I also want to raise awareness of UKYP itself, and get as many people involved as possible."