This month young people across Cornwall will have the opportunity to decide who will represent them in the UK Youth Parliament, the democratically elected national body of 11 to 18-year-olds.

Youth Parliament elections take place every two years in Cornwall and it is hoped that this year more young people than ever before will take part.

Voting will be ran through schools and youth organisations, with up to 10,000 young people expected to cast their ballot.

Now current MYP Owen Winter, a student at Truro and Penwith College, is campaigning to encourage young people to develop an interest in politics.

Owen said: "The views of young people are often overlooked in politics.

“The Youth Parliament gives them a voice and the opportunity to engage with issues that affect them.

"During my term as an MYP, I have campaigned on public transport, votes at 16, mental health and many other pressing topics.

"I am looking forward to meeting and working with the new MYPs, who will have the opportunity to make a difference for young people over the next two years.”

Scott Mann, MP for North Cornwall, said: "The Youth Parliament plays a very important role in engaging young people in politics. Unfortunately, many young people choose not to vote and the Youth Parliament plays an important part in addressing this.

"I look forward to meeting the next MYP for North Cornwall."

Andrew Wallis, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for young people, said: "Young people having a democratic voice is very important.

"One way they can use this voice is by their Members of Youth Parliament, who are voted into office by their peers.

"This gives real representation of young people's views. These views can be taken forward to local councils and even Parliament itself and acted upon.”