YOUNG people from across the borough of Stockton will be putting their skills to the test with councillors today.

Each of the six teams of young people will include a councillor from Stockton Borough Council.

They will then be expected to pit themselves against a range of activities including skills, endurance, team building and flexibility, with one member of each team being allocated to perform the tasks.

The winning team will be the one with the most points at the end of the Get Me Out Of Here challenge and will receive a trophy.

The event, which has been organised by a group of young people from the Stillington Youth and Community Centre, will take place at the Elmwood Youth and Community Centre, in Stockton.

Citizenship and democracy officer John Tierney said: "Many people do not engage with the council, and councillors and have little or no idea how to approach their local authority if they need to.

"The event is aiming to break down the barriers and address the stereotypical views of young people and councillors."

After the challenge, the youngsters will be given the chance to question the councillors on their views of local issues.