THE latest representative for Darlington’s young people has pledged to do more to improve access to facilities.

Emily O’Hara made improved access a cornerstone of her manifesto for the position of Darlington member of the youth parliament and was this week voted into office.

The 17-year-old Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College student won 1,739 of the 3,189 votes cast across the borough - a turn out of 39 per cent.

Her deputy MYP will be Jack Sowerby who won 735 votes. Other candidates were Tom Wilson with 392 votes and Adam Cowley, 278.

Speaking after the announcement of her election win in the town hall council chamber on Tuesday evening, Miss O’Hara said she was delighted.

The former Longfield school pupil said: “I think a lot of the issues for young people is about the cost of doing things and that’s something | want to help with.

“One of the main issues is transport and it can make things unsafe for young people if they can’t afford to travel somewhere safely on dark nights and things like that.

“I hope to try and create stronger partnerships with companies like Arriva and talk to community partnerships to see if anything can be done.”

She added: “I go to college with Ben Million (the previous MYP) and he’s been very helpful when I’ve talked to him. I also know Jack Sowerby well and I’m sure we’ll work well together.”

Coun Cyndi Hughes, the cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I think it’s wonderful that young people have taken the time to vote and look into issues.

“You can’t expect young people to turn 18 and climb straight on to the democratic ladder. This is a great training ground.

“A 39 per cent turnout is fantastic - that’s better than in my ward.”

Andy Whittam, the participation officer for Darlington Borough Council, who helped organise the election, said: “What’s been good about this is that when people have been voting, they’ve talked about the candidates’ manifestos and the issues they’re standing for and not just because they like the look of the them.”