YOUNG people in Darlington will have a say on what they think of their local council and Government during Local Democracy Week.

The week-long event, from October 13 to 19, will focus on listening to future voters.

Members of the council's Youth Participation Team and Democratic Services Team will visit schools across the borough when youngsters will take part in school elections, to vote for something in the school they would like to see happen.

They will also run discussion groups on council issues which affect young people, from Dolphin Centre holiday activities to the development of new leisure services.

In the run-up to Local Democracy Week, pupils are invited to enter a council poster competition.

Entries, which should be no larger than A3 and returned by Thursday, October 9, should depict pupils' views on what they would like to see changed or improved for young people in Darlington.

The winner will be chosen from each age category of infants, juniors and secondary ages. The student's name, age and the name of their school should be included on the entries.

The winners will receive £25 and the overall winner will receive a £100 voucher for their school. Information about the poster competition and Local Democracy Week will be posted on the Young Residents section of Darlington Borough Council's website, www.darlington.gov.uk.