A TEENAGER is flying to the US this weekend to deal with a global crisis.

Daniel Weatherley, 17, of Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, is representing the region at the Global Young Leaders conference.

He will meet 350 delegates from secondary schools around the world who have demonstrated leadership and scholastic skills.

They will debate, negotiate and build coalitions dealing with issues such as foreign aid, global warming, co-operative efforts in space, terrorism and human rights.

The young people will have to forge relationships with others to overcome a scenario that could affect their nations.

Daniel said: "I have a keen interest in economics so I want to explore the question of globalisation and fair trade.

"I want to improve my leadership qualities and meet people who have the same sort of abilities.

"My ambition is to get into politics on a national or international level."

Daniel is planning to study politics at Aberystwyth University after completing A-levels in economics, history, media studies and general studies at Lord Lawson School of Beamish in Birtley.

He is a member of Gateshead Youth Assembly and Best Value Review of Birtley, in which he assesses how well services are delivered in the town. Congressional Youth Leadership Council executive director Mike Lasday said: "The Global Young Leaders Conference aims to provide students like Daniel with the opportunity to collaborate with students from around the world to both study and resolve global conflict."

Daniel will visit New York and Washington DC as part of the 12-day trip after being nominated by his director of post-16 education John Reach. The theme of the conference is The Leaders of Tomorrow Preparing for the Global Challenges and Responsibilities of the Future.