THE Deputy Prime Minister has urged 16 to 24-year-olds to take part in debate on tackling the North/South divide.

Young people are being invited to have their say on the issue as part of the Northern Futures project launched by Nick Clegg earlier this year.

Proposals on tackling the problem can be submitted at http://northernfutures.dialogue-app.com before October 8.

The young people with the best plans will get to pitch their idea to the Deputy Prime Minister and a panel of experts at his Northern Futures Summit on November 6.

Mr Clegg said: "The aim of the project is to help the North compete with major economic regions across the world.

"Nobody knows more about what local economies need than the people who actually live there. And nobody has a greater stake in a region’s future than its young people.

“So instead of dictating policy from Whitehall, we're putting the ball in their court.

“I want young people to help us understand how we can make the North of England prosper and grow."

Entrants can propose whatever idea they think will help the North of England grow and thrive in a global market, but proposals could include boosting businesses and create more opportunities for young people and how to make the most of the North’s universities.