ANXIOUS youngsters will gather today to hear the results of elections which will give children a voice in local government.

The innovative Spice project will see 23 youngsters elected to the Derwentside Young Persons Forum.

The 66 candidates have been busy canvassing other children and holding debates on issues and voting with ballot boxes in schools across the district.

Election staff at Derwentside District Council have volunteered their time to oversee the count. The young hopefuls will be present to hear Derwentside District Council's returning officer announce the results at 4.30pm in Consett Civic Hall.

The candidates are competing for 15 seats on the Children's Panel for five to 11-year-olds and eight places for those aged 12 to 19.

Spice project officer Sharon Robinson said: "All of the young people and their teachers have really been very enthusiastic about the elections and worked very hard to make them a success.

"It is by involving young people in the decision-making process in this way that we hope to demonstrate that the council is interested in their views and that they can influence the decisions that are made.

"Hopefully, the interest shown by the young people can be maintained and carried through into their adult life."