Essex youngsters took part in a historic election when they voted for who they wanted to represent them at the first UK Youth Parliament.

During the election, held at County Hall in Chelmsford, young people were able to raise the issues which really mattered to them.

Brentwood youngster Jo Chamberlain was also selected as a deputy member of the Youth Parliament.

Members of Billericay's Youth Town Council missed out on being elected as MYPs for the Basildon District, but organisers hope everyone who attended the election will continue to be involved in raising youth issues to the political agenda.

Jan Plummer, from Essex County Council, said: "This was a historical occasion - the first time young people have been elected to represent other young people right across the country.

"Six were elected as MYPs, but we do not want these representatives to be seen as an elite group.

"We want them to continue consulting others in their area and we want those who may not have been elected this time to get involved in local support groups for their MYPs."

The six MYPs were selected from boroughs across Essex and will now travel to London in February to join the other 414 members of the Youth Parliament in putting together a Youth Manifesto.

This manifesto will be presented to Government ministers and MPs and all three political parties have made a commitment to listening to the views of the apolitical parliament.

Brentwood and Billericay youngsters have already played a part in setting the agenda for that manifesto.

The county council supported the election as part of its Enhancing Local Democracy and Citizenship Initiative and the event gave those who took part an opportunity to raise the issues they are concerned with.

Mrs Plummer said: "Everyone had a chance to stand up and talk about what they would do if elected.

"The main issues raised by those who attended were bullying and discrimination against young people, disabled people and black people.

"Other issues included public transport, the need for more leisure facilities in each area, the need for more money going into youth work and the need to change the stereotype of Essex Girls."

More than 80 young people attended the election event invited from organisation across the county.

From these six representatives were elected to cover the 12 district and borough councils covered by Essex County Council.

John Mickelborough, from Basildon District, has been elected for the Basildon/Brentwood "twinned" area. His deputy will be Jo Chamberlain.

Ongar young people will be represented by Ben Murphy, from Epping Forest District, who was elected to cover the Epping Forest/Harlow area.

As the elections took place at a county level all MYPs will be expected to try and represent views from the whole of Essex.

Following the success of this year's event the elections will take place on an annual basis.

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