YOUNG people have given their views on how life can be improved for their generation.

Members of Durham County Children and Young People's Council (DCCYPC) have been told their pleas will be heard in the corridors of power.

Young people's council members outlined their manifesto to county council leader Councillor Ken Manton.

Several other senior county council members were in the audience for the presentation at County Hall.

Their blueprint for change includes leisure, transport, crime, drugs, education, young people in care, prejudice and discrimination.

It urges decision-makers to give serious consideration to suggestions for improvement.

Some of the suggestions relate to "sensitive" issues, including better drug and sex education, action on bullying and more support for young gay people.

Michelle Fortune, DCCYPC chairwoman, said: "The population of County Durham is decreasing as more and more young people leave due to lack of opportunities.

"We believe this shows the need for more young people's voices to be heard.

"Our aim is to help create a new way of expressing the needs and aspirations of the young people of County Durham."

Coun Manton said several initiatives were in place to address some of the concerns. But he pledged to look at all the points raised in the manifesto to see what more can be done.

Copies of the manifesto are available from DCCYPC at the Crossgate Centre, Durham, or by calling 0191-384 9745.