THREE teenagers spoke up for young people in the Sedgefield Borough at a Delivering Sustainable Communities Summit, in Manchester.

Kelly Shaw, from Chilton, and Grant Parker and Robert Begg, from Newton Aycliffe, who are all 16, were among 150 delegates at the Government-organised summit.

They joined in debates on key issues affecting their lives, such as homelessness, leisure and participation.

They aired their views on issues of national and local concern including communication between young people and public bodies, access to information and support for young people and their families.

Kelly said: "It's good to see the Government involving young people more in these events as they should be setting an example. I am already looking forward to next year."

Kelly, Grant and Robert are members of a joint Sedgefield Borough Council and Investing in Children project group, which also includes Zoe Thompson and Joanne Gash, from Ferryhill.

They have interviewed more than 100 children and young people from around the borough to determine the best ways of communication with the council.

Members have written a report for the council highlighting the three most popular methods, all of which are IT related, websites, e-mail and text.

Other suggested ways included a newsletter for young people, graffiti boards and focus groups on issues relevant to young people.

Some of these are being implemented through a Services for Children and Young People improvement plan.