PARISH and town councils in North Yorkshire are spearheading a campaign which could revolutionise the voting system by allowing 18-year-olds to stand for election.

At present they can vote, but cannot stand for election to a local authority until they are 21, said Councillor Gaynor de Barr, chairman of the Ryedale branch of the Yorkshire Local Councils Association which is taking the issue to a national conference in November.

The branch has succeeded in persuading representatives of the 600 councils in Yorkshire to press the Government for a change in the law.

Coun de Barr, a member of Pickering Town Council and a former mayor, said: "It is a strange anomaly that an 18-year-old can fight for their country, vote in elections, drive a car and do a host of other things, yet cannot strand for election," she said.

"I believe our young people have a great deal to offer their communities.

"Our resolution is a step in the right direction because it could result in more interest in local elections."

The YLCA believes that lowering the age limit could be particularly beneficial as a number of existing local councillors nationally are likely to stand down when new elections are held next May.

If the resolution is approved by the National Association of Local Councils at its conference in London, it will be sent to the Government requesting action.