NORTH YORKSHIRE youngsters took centre stage at an event aimed at finding out what young people in the area want from education and training.

Northallerton rap band 609 and Ripon-based One Finger Punch took to the stage at the event in Northallerton.

The performances were part of presentations from nine groups of young people involved in a consultation on education and training by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

One of the groups represented was the Moving On Group, set up two years ago in Scarborough to help people in care. The group made a gameshow-style video looking at young people's experiences of education.

Group member Jonny Hoyle said he hoped their work would help other people realise how difficult it was to go to school when you are in care. He said: "It can be a real challenge to cope with school when you're dealing with your own difficult issues.

"All of us in the group feel if we'd been given more support at school it would have really helped - and it's good to know that making this video has given us the chance to let people know how we feel."

David Harbourne, LSC North Yorkshire executive director said he had found the event inspiring.

He said: "What young people have to say will definitely help us in our future thinking, and it's clear it's also benefited them. They've obviously really enjoyed being involved.

"Naturally, we can't sort everything out overnight, but we will be taking these views on board and looking for some changes we can make quickly which could have a real impact."

Updated: 11:14 Wednesday, May 19, 2004