YOUNG people in Hartlepool have come together to set up an initiative that aims to shape services they receive.

Hartlepool Young Voices has just had the first phase of its participation strategy endorsed by Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet.

The strategy acknowledges that the best people to inform local organisations and groups of how children and young people should be involved are the children and young people themselves.

Hartlepool Young Voices plans to join public groups, along with the voluntary and community sectors, to ensure the needs of children and young people are reflected in the services they provide.

One of the members, Jonathan Simpson, 17, said: "We are prepared to work with any group or organisation in Hartlepool to try to ensure that the needs and views of children and young people are taken into account.

"One of our next tasks will be to produce a DVD to help raise our profile, and everyone is looking forward to this."

Fellow member Hannah Shaw, 19, said: "I really do think that Hartlepool Young Voices can make a difference.

"It may come as a surprise to some people, but we basically want to work with organisations for the betterment of children and young people in Hartlepool."

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond, the chairman of the council's cabinet, said: "In the past, I think there has been a view that the voices of young people have not always been heard, but signing up to the strategy demonstrates that there is a commitment to listen to and learn from young people in our community."