A FORMER Darlington youth MP has become the youngest chairman of a town charity.

Kevin Nicholson, 20, has been appointed the chairman of the Firthmoor & District Community Association at its annual general meeting.

He heads a new board of members for the charity, which has been running for 31 years.

Mr Nicholson, 20, represented Darlington in 2005 in the United Kingdom Youth Parliament, and the following year became the towns first young citizen of the year.

He said at the boards annual meeting: "We have been through some very difficult and testing times over the past few months.

"The charity is now entering a new beginning, our rebranding, new logo and incorporation signifies to the community that we are a passionate, positive and dedicated organisation, ready to deliver value for money."

The charity now employs 30 members of staff. It provides a community nursery for more than 50 children, a play group, a community caf and a 1.3m multi-use games area.

Board members have also decided to make the charity a public limited company by guarantee.

Also elected to the board have been vice-chairman Maureen Martin, secretary Sue Morley and treasurer Shelagh Ray. Trustees are ward councillor Roderick Francis, Camella Gowling, Steve Rose, the chief executive of Darlington Partnership, and Nigel Potter. Councillors Lee Vasey and Bill Dixon have been appointed special advisors.

For more details see www.fdca.co.uk.