Bracknell

Stephanie Cole aged 16 from Edgbarrow School in Crowthorne has been elected Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP) for Bracknell Forest.

Stephanie saw off stiff competition from ten other Bracknell candidates to win the election.

Her victory was announced a special ceremony on February 19 at the Hilton Hotel in Bracknell.

Shaun Polley, 17, from Bracknell & Wokingham College came second in the race for the top job. He will act as Stephanie's deputy this year.

Students from Bracknell Forest secondary schools and Bracknell & Wokingham College went to the polls between February 5 and 9 with votes counted over the weekend.

Several schools and youth centres in the borough took part with just under 1,900 votes cast. Stephanie won with 411 votes.

Stephanie's first engagement as MYP was to meet dignitaries including Cllr Clifton Thompson, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of the Council, Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Children's Services and Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Corporate Services and Leisure.

With the support of her deputy and the Youth Forum, Stephanie will represent Bracknell Forest as one of 300 members of the UKYP which was set up to give young people the opportunity to influence adult decision makers.

Throughout the year she will take part in meetings and activities to promote greater involvement of young people in all aspects of the democratic process, making sure their views are sought and used to best effect.

They will also meet up with borough councillors to discuss a wide range of issues and attend regional and national meetings of the UKYP.

Martin Gocke, Assistant Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "Well done to Stephanie on her win and I wish her good luck for her year in office.

"The role of MYP along with the Youth Forum is important and we shall call on them to help us further develop the role young people play in the work we do."

Cllr Paul Bettison, said: "Congratulations to Stephanie on her victory and for seeing off such a strong field of candidates.

"I wish her success in her year as MYP and I am sure the support of Shaun, her deputy, will be most valuable.

"We shall support them both throughout their year and I hope they will play a full part in helping us fulfil our commitment to involving young people in our decision making."

The full list of candidates in the election was:

* Stephanie Cole, 16, Edgbarrow School
* Shaun Polley, 17, Bracknell & Wokingham College
* Joe Toms, 12, Sandhurst School
* Daniella Tovey, 14, Brakenhale School
* David Giles, 16, Edgbarrow School
* Fiona Hardie, 14, Garth Hill College
* Amelia Breadman, 14, Ranelagh CE School
* Sean Kennedy, 15, Easthampstead Park School
* Josie Emma Dyster, 12, Ranelagh CE School
* Hayley Polley, 15, Sandhurst School

For more information about the Council's youth services visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/learning/learn-youth-services.htm

For more information about the UK Youth Parliament visit: www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council