Nottinghamshire’s new Youth Parliament members have been elected and are ready to give a voice to young people across the county.

Encouraging more opportunities for young people in local communities and highlighting mental health issues are some of the shared interests of the group members.

Almost 10,000 votes were cast for 49 candidates across the county this year.

The members include:
• Ashfield district: Aisha Shamsaldeen.
• Mansfield district: Sophie Whitby, of Mansfield Woodhouse.
• Newark and Sherwood district: Sikander Khan, of Kirklington..
• Chairman of the Children’s Young People Board: Jack Heald.

Nationally, the UK Youth Parliament has 600 elected MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) aged 11 to 18.

Sophie (13), who attends My Place young people’s centre in Mansfield said: “I am keen to promote equality for groups such as the LGBT community and I cannot wait to put my ideas into practice.”

The youth members met Nottinghamshire County Council leader Coun Kay Cutts and previous Youth Parliament at County Hall, West Bridgford.

The county council’s youth service will support the team during its two-year term in office.

Jack (15), from Kirton, who is a student at Dukeries Academy, Ollerton, said: “I’m interested in politics and am very pleased to be involved. I am keen to promote the positive image of young people and increase youth participation at events in local communities.”