AS MPs deliberated over a new Speaker for the House of Commons, the political spotlight fell on Chorley where an election took place to another parliament -- personally endorsed by the Prime Minister.

The Woodlands Centre, Southport Road, was the venue for the UK Youth Parliament elections.

Six Lancashire MYPs -- Members of the Youth Parliament -- were chosen by young people throughout the county.

They are: Hilary Harvey, of Skelmersdale; Beth Ward, of Bickerstaffe; Lee Bradshaw, of Preston; Dawn Musson, of Poulton-le-Fylde; Charlotte O'Horo, of Burnley; and Alex Mugan, of Accrington.

Liz Turley, of Highfield Road North, Chorley, was elected as a delegate.

John Clark, of the youth and community service, said: "Liz stood as an MP but was was not elected.

"Lancashire was allocated six places for MPs. We want to try and encourage more young people to be involved and try and build up a network of support and use it as a basis to set up a Lancashire Youth Parliament." During the day the teenagers took part in workshops on citizenship, democracy and representation.

Then there was an opportunity for everyone who wanted to stand for the parliament to put their names forward and tell their colleagues why they should vote for them.

The event was organised by Lancashire County Council's youth and community service, with the support of the North West Shire Policy Unity.

The six successful Lancashire MYPs will now join nine members of their electorate at a North West regional conference at Everton Football Club today, Thursday, November 2.

The UK Youth Parliament will meet annually and there will be up to four regional meetings for MYPs every year.

The MYPs' many responsibilities will include producing a youth manifesto for all the young people they represent which will help shape a government thinking on subjects which affect their lives.

John West, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "The United Kingdom Youth Parliament, which has the personal endorsement of the Prime Minister, is an ideal opportunity for young people to influence policy makers now and in the future.

"It builds on the strong democratic principles of our society and I hope that the young people of Lancashire will take up this exciting challenge.

"I strongly support this development and wish it every success for the future.