TEENAGERS have been given the chance to take part in a project aimed at increasing opportunities to speak out for themselves.

Eleven students from Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe, are taking part in a project with Investing in Children in Durham and the Office of the Children's Commissioner.

Throughout the year-long pilot project, the team will be meeting young people in the North-East to hear their views and to campaign locally on their behalf.

At a national level, they plan to communicate young people's opinions to the Office of the Children's Commissioner to influence national policy, law-making and debate.

Two of the team, Thoryn Haylett and Mia Wilkinson, will hold the titles of young assistant commissioner.

Recently, the group spent a day in the ICT suite at Woodham Community Technology College with staff from the Office of the Children's Commissioner.

They developed their interview skills and the day ended when they were interviewed by a TV news team.

Student Melissa MacPherson said: "We think it's an honour for us and our school to be involved in this project."