A TEENAGER has become one of the youngest councillors in the country.

Eighteen-year-old Chloe Harrison has been chosen to serve on Leyburn Town Council in North Yorkshire.

The appointment follows a shortfall at the recent election when only eight applicants sought the nine available seats on the authority.

After an application and interview Miss Harrison was chosen and took up her place at the meeting on Monday.

The new councillor has lived in Leyburn since the age of two and is a student at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington, having previously attended The Wensleydale School.

When not studying, Miss Harrison works at the town’s Sandpiper Restaurant which is owned by her parents.

She said: “I was inspired to apply when I saw the advert as I am studying politics at A-level and I thought it would interest me.

“At my interview I mentioned that there were not enough jobs for graduates in Wensleydale. It is difficult for young people who move away, go to university, but cannot come back as there isn’t a job for them.

“I felt I would like to do something for the town, as I love living in Leyburn.”

Her father Jonathan Harrison was a town councillor until recently but stepped down ahead of the elections in May.

He said: “I am immensely proud of Chloe - I think she will be very good.”

The new councillor has been welcomed by the chair of the council, Cllr Trixie Walker.

She said: “I think it is extremely important we encourage young people to voice their views, opinions and ideas on how Leyburn should progress in the future."