MAKING York a better place for young people is the aim of a group of secondary school students.

Representatives from seven schools in the city have formed the first York Youth Parliament - which aims to find out what young people in the city want and work towards achieving it.

The parliament includes pupils from Manor, Millthorpe, Fulford, Archbishop Holgate's, Joseph Rowntree All Saints' and Oaklands schools who were voted in earlier this year.

Members of the parliament voted 15-year-old Scott Atkinson as their representative for the national youth parliament.

The national parliament is supported by the Government and has representatives from all over the country.

Scott, a pupil at Fulford School, will be able to vote on issues nationally along with other MYPs - or members of the youth parliament. Scott said he thought the youth parliament was important as it would bring young people together with one voice.

He said: "It will benefit young people - I don't think they have had a voice before.

"We will readily challenge local and national Government on the plans they are making for young people.

"We will also show support if we feel that they are giving us a good deal. Getting a network around the country of youth parliaments will give us a greater voice."

As part of the work of the parliament so far more than 2,000 postcards have been sent out to school and youth organisations to find out what young people would like to see in the city.

The group will now work towards achieving the top five areas youngsters highlighted, including leisure facilities, young people's cafs, safety improvements, youth clubs and shops. They have recently published a newsletter which details their work so far, and are hoping to get a website up and running in the near future.

For information about the youth parliament, phone 01904 643441. Scott will have his place for one year before elections in January 2004.

Updated: 09:34 Wednesday, April 30, 2003