Budding Politicians Take Over Town Hall

Young people from across the region were in South Shields Town Hall at the weekend to take part in a British Youth Council event.

Around 25 people came together in the Council Chamber to debate Health and Wellbeing which is this year's campaign theme for South Tyneside Young People's Parliament. The event was planned and delivered by Youth Focus North East as part of their role as the North East coordinator for the British Youth Council.

The event was opened by the Mayor, Councillor Pat Hay, who answered questions from the young people and took them on a tour of the Town Hall.

The Mayor said: "It was a privilege to host the event and have budding politicians from across the region visit our beautiful Town Hall.

"Our own Member of the Youth Parliament, Luke Hall, did a fantastic job of chairing the debate and the quality of the debate was outstanding."

The young people listened to keynote speakers at the event also learned debating skills.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, added: "As a former Member of Youth Parliament myself, I am delighted that South Tyneside was able to host regional MYP's and discuss these important issues affecting young people. With workshops in the committee rooms and the debate in the Council Chamber, it is an excellent opportunity to hone the debating skills of these budding politicians. I am sure these young people will be ones to watch in the future!"