Following a busy month of campaigning for votes, Slough youngsters have elected their chosen representatives to form a new Youth Parliament in the borough.

40 representatives from across Slough will now represent youngsters from across the town, helping to influence key decisions around local services.

More than 8,000 young people voted in the elections, with 75 percent of those eligible voicing their opinions. 20 different secondary schools took part with some schools achieving turnouts of more than 90 percent.

Members of the Slough Youth Parliament will serve a two-year term and will now undergo the process of electing one representative to represent the views of Slough’s young people at the UK Youth Parliament.

A manifesto will now be drawn up by the Slough Youth Parliament. One of the main focuses will be to support the national UK Youth Parliament’s campaign against knife crime.

Slough MP Tan Dhesi joined Slough Borough Council’s chief executive Josie Wrgg and lead member for education and children Councillor Shabnum Sadiq at a ceremony announcing the results at Beachwood School on 7 February.

Councillor Sadiq said: “It’s inspiring to see so many of our young people engaging in local democracy. Slough Youth Parliament offers young people aged 11-19 the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in their local community. For the individuals involved it is also an opportunity to learn key transferable skills for the future.

“Congratulations to everyone who was nominated – all the candidates have worked really hard and it was a privilege to meet some of them at the results event. I look forward to working with the newly elected Slough Youth Parliament. Some of the members may only be in year 7, but we know with Slough Youth Parliament they will have opportunities to do great things.”