A SCHOOLBOY mayor has been doing his homework and picked a team he thinks will help give his town's youngsters a voice.

Middlesbrough's Young Mayor, Adam Gallagher, has selected a team of ten youngsters - each with an individual portfolio - to help ensure the grown-ups take account of the needs of young people.

Adam said: "When I was elected as Young Mayor, I knew that it would be important to have people to help me out and give other young people the chance to have their say and have some influence. That is why I invited people to join the executive board.''

The chosen portfolios mirror those of the executive board of Middlesbrough Council and means members of the adult cabinet will have youngsters' views on an issue.

Adam and his deputy mayor, Daniel Ayton, will look at resources, while Graham Sauter and Jamie Prior will look after leisure, culture and regeneration. Amanda Stevenson and Jordan Rae are responsible for education, Christina Gray and Dean Fenwick for the environment, Terry Pickering and Laura Timney, law and order, while Danielle Housbey and Kirstie Gallagher will be responsible for social care and health.