CALLING all 18- to 21-year-olds. You have just 13 days to register to vote in the May elections. And for the first time, 18-year-olds will be able to stand as candidates in the May local elections in England and in Welsh Assembly elections.

The new age for candidates was introduced in the Electoral Administration (2006) Act. I congratulate the Government for lowering the candidacy age to 18 - it's important that we see more young people represented in politics at all levels and becoming involved in the democratic process. Young people take on a number of rights and responsibilities at 18 - including being eligible for jury service - and there is no reason why they should not also be able to stand as candidates in elections.

I hope over the coming years that they put themselves forward. I hope the participation of young people and the reduction in the age of candidacy to 18 will encourage a greater sense of citizenship. It is, after all, important that we do as much as possible to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process.

Paul Blanchard, Labour Party candidate, Heworth ward, Chaucer Lane, York.