HUNDREDS of teenagers from across York are preparing to talk politics at the city's annual secondary school council conference.

Healthy eating, the economy and staying safe are all up for discussion at this year's event, being held at the Guildhall.

The event on February 27 is being organised by a group of 16 teenagers from Joseph Rowntree School and will involve a mock speed dating-style activity, with each school council rep talking for one minute or less to a student from another school before rotating.

All York secondary schools have been invited to attend and the theme chosen by the school for the day is Every Child Matters. Each school has its own pupil-run school council which discusses issues and ideas going on in their school to share ideas.

The student council members are being assisted by the school's deputy head, Maggi Wright - who will become the school's new head teacher in September - governor Percy Roberts and Debra Gleig, assistant head of Year 9.

The event is being co-ordinated by teacher Dot Hornby.

She said: "We have 16 students organising the event with representatives from Years 7 to 12. They are very focused and are looking forward to leading a very useful and enjoyable day for the York schools student councils.

"There will be lots of displays around the Guildhall to reflect the theme for the day including leisure interests, culture and Fair Trade, to name but a few."

Mr Roberts said: "As a governor at the school, I have had the honour to attend meetings. The members of the council play an important part in the life of the school. They have made helpful contributions to the planning of the new school and the appointment of the new head teacher.

"They are working hard to make the conference a really enjoyable and worthwhile day for the students attending from all the York secondary schools. They are a credit to the school and young people in general."

Joseph Rowntree Year 10 pupil Jonathan Woodcock said: "It is giving Joseph Rowntree's student council the opportunity to show what they can do!"

Year 9 pupil Lois Wilson said: "It is a great opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other school councils and look at the wider picture of what we can all do."