YOUNG people are going to the polls as voting opens for this year's youth MP elections.

Polls are open in schools and youth clubs across the borough and 11 to 18-year-olds are being urged to take part.

There are nine candidates competing for Bolton's two seats on the UK Youth Parliament.

One of Bolton's current Youth MPs, Louise Mayers, aged 16, believes every young person in the borough should make sure they use their vote. Louise, a Harper Green High School pupil, said: "I feel I've done a good job and have given the young people of Bolton a voice.

"People should get involved because how else can they change things unless they have a voice.

"To get the things they want they have to have a voice."

Louise and fellow MP Emma Simpson have attended regional and national meetings since they were elected a year ago.

They have chaired panels deciding how money is spent on schemes for young people, visited youth groups and made sure they listened to young people's views.

Last year, 1,200 young people voted in the elections and organisers are hoping the turnout will be even higher this year.

Bernard Knight, Bolton's returning officer, said: "Last year's youth MP elections were the biggest held in Bolton with more than 1,200 people taking part, and we hope this year will see another record turnout.

"It is an excellent way to get young people involved in democracy and to help them have their say."

The candidates do not represent political parties as the UK Youth Parliament is independent. Instead, they are standing for the issues they believe most affect young people in Bolton.

The polls will close on Monday, March 26 and the results will be announced at a voting-in ceremony in the Bolton Council chamber on Friday, March 30.

Voters can question the candidates face-to-face at the Castle Hill Youth Centre, Castleton Street, Bolton at 7pm on Wednesday, March 21.

The Candidates

James Murray, aged 16, a pupil at Thornleigh Salesian College, is standing for decent school dinners, cheaper transport, safer parks and a secure future for our planet. He said: "I want to get involved in the running of Bolton so I can have an influence on what affects young people."

Niall McGloin, Thornleigh Salesian College pupil, aged 16, wants cheaper bus fares, a more positive portrayal of youth in the local media and a change in attitude towards the environment. He said: "Becoming a youth MP is a direct way of getting involved in what's around me."

Alex Presto, aged 14, a Turton High pupil, wants to stand up for young people who are fed up with the mess of their everyday surroundings and who feel ignored. He said: "I want to do something about the environment around Bolton, there's litter everywhere."

Matt Ryder, aged 17, a Bolton School pupil, wants a decent minimum wage for young people and the abolition of university tuition fees. He said: "The issues I'm campaigning for are important. I want to make sure I'm listened to."

Kiran Kaur, aged 16, a Turton High pupil, wants a clearer career guidance, flexible option choices, greater power to students and more local projects for young people. She said: "We're the next generation and if we aren't seeing the changes we want then we have to do something about it."

Gemma Carville, aged 12, a Thornleigh Salesian College pupil, wants extra sports facilities to help reduce the number of gangs on the streets, reduce crime, help residents feel safer and tackle the obesity problem. She said: "The voice of young people isn't heard enough."

Maymunah Akhtar, aged 11, a pupil at Bolton Muslim Girls School, wants equality for young people, a clean, green environment and free access for under-18s to sport and leisure facilities. She said: "I want to help young people whose voices aren't heard."

Konner Antrobus, aged 12, of George Tomlinson School in Kearsley, wants to see a reduction in street gangs. He said: "I want to get rid of racism."

Shanice Foster, aged 12, of Heywood School, wants young people to have a voice, wants to cut racism and make Bolton a better place.