Scarborough Council has in the past been involved by taking part in I’m a Councillor – Get Me Out Of Here.

This year, the council is trying something different and has arranged for a discussion forum to take place next Friday. Discussions will take place and give youngsters an opportunity to discuss whether the voting age should be reduced from 18 to 16.

The forum will be held in the council chamber at the Town Hall, Scarborough, at 11am.

Students from all the local secondary schools and colleges in the borough are invited to attend.

Speakers on the panel include Whitby MP Robert Goodwill, Anna-Joy David, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate and Ed Asquith, editor of the Scarborough Evening News.

The panel also has two young members, Antonia Quick and Phillip Wells, both students of Scarborough Sixth Form College.

Chairman of the panel will be Michael Goode.

Sue Bedford, Scarborough Council’s elections officer, said: “In launching this event we hope that schools/colleges will be able to send a representative group of students to take part. Students learn all about democracy and citizenship at school.

“Politics affects us all every day from buying a new pair of trainers, as the UK Government decides how much VAT you have to pay on clothing, or going out to a disco as local councils are responsible for monitoring noise levels.

“There are lots of opportunities for young people to get involved with the council locally, from designing a flowerbed to giving their views on the type of playground or skateboard equipment they would like.”

The council has written to local schools to invite them and everyone who attends the forum will receive a certificate of attendance.

A spokesperson for Whitby Community College told the Gazette they might be taking part depending upon the level of interest among students.

Any young people in Whitby who would like to participate and are no longer in full-time education should contact Sue Bedford on (01723) 232309 or email sue.bedford@scarborough.gov.uk