THREE teenagers have been elected to represent up to 80,000 young people across North Yorkshire in a nationwide youth parliament.

The youngsters were elected as Members of the Parliament by fellow teenagers at the first meeting of the North Yorkshire Youth Voice Executive.

They say they will fight against prejudice and ensure the voices of young people are heard.

The Voice groups were set up by the county council to represent the views of young people from diverse backgrounds including looked after children, young carers, children of armed forces personnel, LGBT groups and local youth councils.

The three representatives are Evie Stevenson for the central area representing Northallerton, Richmond and Selby; Kitty Jackson for Malton and Scarborough and Eden-Maia Shackleton, for Ripon, Harrogate and Skipton.

Miss Stevenson,16, said: “As a young individual myself, I increasingly observe both the restrictions and ignorance that minors within our country receive on a daily basis. As an MYP I aim to take down these prejudices, and make sure every individual within my constituency is listened to.”

Miss Jackson,14, said: “As a young carer, my main focus will be on raising awareness, speaking out for the many young carers in our area, and making schools and organisations more aware of the impact being a carer can have on children, positive and negative.”

Miss Shackleton,16, added: “The voices of young people and being able to raise awareness and tackle issues young people face today is something I feel greatly passionate about. I am very proud to have been elected and want to do my utmost to make the most positive impact I can while in my term of office.”

In the summer they will meet other MYP’s from across the country to debate and vote on policy at the UK Youth Parliament Annual Sitting. In November, they will take issues to the Houses of Parliament where they will debate topics they plan to campaign on.

The county council provides support for the MYP’s, who are politically neutral. Pete Dwyer, corporate director said: “Being an MYP is a really exciting opportunity. They will have the chance to get involved in many activities, including meeting MPs and local councillors, running campaigns, making speeches and leading debates, but most importantly representing the views of other young people across the county.”