YOUNG people across Hampshire are being called on to take an active interest in local politics.

Hampshire County Council is looking for people aged from 11-18 to be the voice of young people as members of the UK Youth Parliament for 2015-17.

A workshop will be held on Saturday, January 24, at Hampshire County Council's headquarters in Winchester, between 10am-1pm.

Prospective candidates, who must live in Hampshire and be a UK resident, need to attend in order to complete their election statements.

To register for the workshop and find out more, visit hants.gov.uk/ukyp-elections2015 by Thursday, January 15.

Councillor Keith Mans, Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for children’s services, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn more about democracy and decision making, and to represent their peers in the community.

“Hampshire County Council is dedicated to providing young people with opportunities to get involved in the democratic process and to make their voices heard about the issues that matter most to them.

"I encourage anyone interested in this exciting opportunity to come forward and stand for election, and I also hope as many young people as possible get involved by voting for their preferred candidate.”