A VOLUNTEER police cadet wants to help young people make informed choices about legal highs.

Kira Lewis has launched her campaign as the Member of the Youth Parliament for Taunton Deane and West Somerset under the banner ‘Young People for a Safer Community’.

Kira, who will serve two years in the role, said: “I feel strongly about empowering and representing young people in our area and the wider world.

“My campaign will aim to improve communication and relationships between young people and the police as I feel it is an important, yet often unacknowledged issue.

“I want to explore why some young people commit crimes that fall under the umbrella of ‘anti-social behaviour’.

“I want to research into young people’s use of new psychoactive substances (legal highs) and empower young people to make informed choices about them.”

Kira, who supports reducing the voting age to 16 and described herself as a strong believer in equal rights, added: “I am looking forward to proudly providing young people with a voice in my constituency, and for my constituency.”

She is one of three Somerset members of the 600-strong UK Youth Parliament and one of her tasks is to inform the county’s decision makers about young people’s views.

Chelsea White, who represents Sedgemoor and Mendip, has pledged to do her bit for “young people’s health and wellbeing”, while Jess Hill, of South Somerset is “promoting and empowering young people’s voices”.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families at County Hall, said: “The UK Youth Parliament is a wonderful way for young people to get involved in decision making, nationally and locally.

“It is so important that we listen to the voices of young people, because the decisions we make right now will affect their future.”