CRAVEN teenager, Torin Zeiboll, has been elected onto the UK Youth Parliament where he will represent the views of young people from across the area.

Torin, 17, is one of three MYPs to be elected by the North Yorkshire Youth Voice Executive from a number of applicants who put themselves forward for the important role and who together will provide a national voice for the youth of the county.

Torin, who lives near Skipton, will cover the west of the county, taking in Craven and Harrogate; Rebecca Morgan will cover the east, Scarborough and Ryedale; and Molly Richardson will be responsible for the central area, covering Hambleton, Richmondshire and Selby.

Torin is a pupil at Ermysted’s Grammar School, where he has started up a lunchtime speaking club, is a student advisor.

“I am extremely grateful for being elected as the local MYP,” he said. “I hope to share the voice of all young people in my area and campaign for necessary change within our community. It really means a lot to be put in a position that can create significant and noticeable change.”

He added: “Over the last few years I have tried to push myself a bit further in life in general. I started going to a speaking club in Skipton and really enjoying it, so I started running one at school. I am also a student advisor, so generally I am trying to get involved in things that help people.”

Torin was encouraged to stand as an MYP by an English teacher at his school.

“The Youth Parliament is a way to represent the views of children across the country, because much of politics is left to people over 18. Young people still have brilliant ideas and they still want their voices to be heard,” he said.

“That is more difficult if you’re younger, so the Youth Parliament is really important, because it gives people the opportunity to make a substantial difference. From what I’ve heard, the large issue I’d like to address is mental health. I am aware it is something that is already being dealt with and, of course, that’s brilliant, but I think more can be done.

“I think it is a really good opportunity to represent the views of everyone around my area, but what I want to do is what everyone else wants, it’s not just about me.”

During their two-year term of office, the MYPs will meet MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of young people are listened to by decision makers.

Unlike their adult counterparts on national Government, they are politically neutral and will help set the agenda for the annual Make Your Mark Vote, which begins in August with final votes cast in October. Last year, more than 1.1 million young people took part in the national vote.

The Youth Voice Executive, which was formed by North Yorkshire County Council, brings together representatives of young people’s groups from across the county. They regularly meet executive members and senior county council officers as well as leaders from district councils, the police, health and local companies.

County Councillor Janet Sanderson, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s so important that our county’s young people have a voice, both locally and nationally. These three young people will be able to take the issues that matter to the youth of North Yorkshire to leaders within the county and at the highest levels of government.

“As an authority, we’re committed to giving our county’s young people the best possible start in life. Giving them a voice and listening to their opinions through the Youth Voice Executive and the MYPs is a vital aspect of that.”