A CAMPAIGN is under way to raise young people's awareness about democracy and encourage them to vote.

As part of Local Democracy Week, council chiefs in the Hambleton district are targeting sixth-formers by sending each of them a special pack.

They are urging the teen-agers to ensure their name is on the electoral register so they can vote as soon as they are 18.

"Once we reach our 18th birthdays we can vote at all elections, but to do that our names must be in the electoral register," said council leader, Councillor June Imeson.

"This campaign aims to ensure all up-and-coming voters have a say in the democratic process. Voting is important and we want to be sure that everyone has theirs."

The information packs are being sent to schools in Northallerton, Stokesley, Bedale, Easingwold and Thirsk. They will be backed up by talks from election officers at some of the colleges.