BOLTON’S youngest councillor is joining our search for the town’s most deserving youngsters.

Cllr Sean Harkin was elected to serve his community at the tender age of just 24 and is urging residents to think about the young people in their community who should be put forward for Bolton’s Young Wonders.

Crompton Place Shopping Centre in Bolton has linked up with The Bolton News to find those aged 18 and under who deserve a pat on the back for the good work they do.

Closing date for entries is Monday and the overall winner will win themselves a stack of prizes from retailers at the shopping centre.

Labour’s Cllr Harkin, who represents the Westhoughton North and Chew Moor ward, said: “I am sure everybody knows somebody in their school or college who goes above and beyond and does something special which deserves to be rewarded, and I would urge people to think about them and make sure they put forward their nominations.

“I am impressed by young people who I meet all the time. Those who volunteer to help coach a youth football team, those who are carers and look after a family member, I am sure there is lots good work going on among the young people of Bolton.” Malcolm Angus, Crompton Place manager, added: “The closing date for entries is creeping round so I would urge people not to delay and put pen to paper today.”

Cllr Harkin was elected to Bolton Council in May, 2012 after serving on Westhoughton Town Council for five years. His father, Cllr Guy Harkin, is the Mayor of Bolton.

The Bolton Wanderers supporter, who has lived in Westhoughton all of his life, apart from a spell at Sheffield University, said he wanted to get into local politics to help solve local people’s problems.

He said: “I wanted to make a difference to the community I live in and I did feel there were not enough young people represented in local politics.”

To nominate a young person, email a short description of the nominee along with your contact details, including a daytime telephone number, to claire@ceidiog.com.