SEVEN students have made it onto the shortlist to become a member of the UK Youth Parliament.

Young voters from schools across Redcar and Cleveland will cast their vote in the election on Wednesday, February 22.

Joseph Keegans, 15, Ashley Stone, 14, Eve Kennedy, 14, Ellie Mae Travill, 14, Tom Cleasby, 12, Kellen Joseph Hadfield, 14, and 15-year-old Ethan Haw will all be campaigning for votes before election day.

The candidate with the most votes will become the MYP for a two-year term with the runner-up becoming the deputy.

More than 4,500 pupils are expected to cast their ballots in the election as six secondary schools have agreed to take part on polling day.

Cllr Christopher Massey, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “To see that seven young people have put themselves forward as Redcar and Cleveland’s Member of Youth Parliament is very pleasing.

“I am confident that whoever gets elected will carry on the good work of outgoing MYP Timothy Would and continue to represent the young people of Redcar and Cleveland at both local and national levels.”

The count takes place on Thursday, February 23, at the 25K Youth Centre on Ayton Drive in Redcar.

To find out more about the role of an MYP, go to www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/youthparliament