YOUNG people in North Yorkshire have a new champion to help them be heard in the corridors of power.

One of the youngest members of the county council, Gavin Williamson, 26, has been given the new role.

He will work alongside the county's Connecting Youth Culture project, to represent the interests of tens of thousands of young people.

"Hopefully, I am now the voice of young people and I will make sure they are consulted when the various council directorates take their decisions," said Coun Williamson, who was elected a councillor for Seamer, Scarborough, when he was just 24.

"As a council, we have a responsibility to people of all ages, young and old, and we need to consult with the young rather than just give them what we think they need."

He said the biggest challenge he faced was to make sure the post had a tangible effect.

Coun Williamson said he would strive to ensure young people were consulted, that more money was put into services and that youth facilities were tailored to their needs.

"I don't get a big pot of money myself to change things overnight but I will be working to change the culture of the county council to provide what young people need," he said.