THE European Youth Parliament will meet in the North-East next month.
The parliament will hold the region’s heat of its annual international debating competition in Durham Town Hall on Wednesday, March 3.
Teams of sixth formers from across the region will take on the roles of European Parliament committees, going head-to-head in debates on topics including climate change and the recession.
Organiser Richard Royal, who took part as a student in 2004, said: "The debates really stretch you. Teams have to be flexible and creative and you have to respond quickly to the other side’s points.
"There is always a high standard and choosing the winning team is hard. But it’s good that it’s run by young people for young people."
Councillor Brian Myers, chairman of Durham County Council, said: "I am delighted that young people are taking this opportunity to develop skills, understand politics and debate important issues.
"Durham County Council is proud to be hosting the event and we look forward to welcoming the young competitors and hearing what they have to say."
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