Bracknell

Olivia Wessendorff aged 15 from Edgbarrow School in Crowthorne has been elected Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP) for Bracknell Forest.

Her victory was announced a special ceremony on February 15 at the Hilton Hotel in Bracknell.

Michael Carne, 15, from Garth Hill College was elected as Olivia's deputy for the coming year.

Young people from across the Bracknell borough went to the polls between February 4 and 8 with votes counted over the weekend.

Voting took place at 25 ballot boxes across the borough and there were just under 1800 votes cast.

With the support of her deputy and the Youth Forum, Olivia 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 they 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.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries said: "Well done to Olivia and I wish her good luck for her year in office.

"The role of Bracknell Forest's MYP and DMYP is important and we shall call on them to help us further develop the role young people play in the work we do."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Children's Services, said: "Congratulations to Olivia and Michael for seeing off such a strong field of candidates.

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

The full list of candidates in the election was:

Oriana Dempsey

Olivia Wessendorff

Ashleigh Higgs

Shannon Thwaites

Daisey Rhodes

Seth Byron Snow

Michael Carne

Katie Dean

Bracknell Forest Borough Council