YOUNGSTERS from across Darlington have been given the opportunity to question the borough's Labour MP Alan Milburn.

About 30 young people from youth centres in the area took part in the town's first Big Night Democracy Event held at the Town Hall.

The MP and former Health Secretary was joined by the leader of Darlington Borough Council, Councillor John Williams, and the town's Mayor, Councillor Ron Lewis, who were also on hand to answer questions posed by the 11 to 19-year-olds.

Coun Williams said: "It is great to see young people in Darlington taking such a strong interest in their community and their council."

The young people posed a wide range of questions on the council's role and discussed possible solutions to the issues that arose.