Two Newport students will become the voice for teenagers across the borough after landing seats in the UK Youth Parliament when ballot boxes were cracked open.
Newport Girls High pupil Becci Goodall, aged 16, was voted in as parliament member with 1,679 votes.
With the Burton Borough’s Mitchell Brooks, aged 13, elected as Becci’s deputy after receiving 1,610 votes.
Results were announced at the borough council’s civic offices after months of canvassing and more than 5,000 votes.
Many schools carried out voting independently this year using tutor group time, assemblies or citizenship lessons.
Last week’s count was manned by 19 young people who gave up their free time to join the action.
The Newport duo will be introduced to some key UKYP regional figures and will take part in a weekend of induction activities preparing them for their new role ahead.
Telford & Wrekin Council has been promoting the work of the Youth Parliament and the returning officer for Wednesday’s election was council chief executive Victor Brownlees.
Cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Stephen Burrell said: “The vote count had an excellent atmosphere and we are delighted with the increase in turn out and this is something we will be looking to build on in future years.
“I would like to congratulate both Becci and Mitchell on their successful election and thank all the young people who contributed to making the event possible.
“I believe it is vital for young people in the borough to get involved in shaping their future because it quite clearly belongs to them rather than present day decision makers.”
The UK Youth Parliament is a national organisation run by young people for young people.
Each year elections take place across the county and the UKYP currently has more than 600 elected members.
Becci and Mitchell will be attending a regional residential in Shropshire in March with the newly elected representatives from across the West Midlands.