A YOUTH council has elected three volunteers to key positions.

Gateshead Youth Council has announced the election of 22-year-old Anthony Maxted, Chris Hulme, 19, and Claire Pearson, also 19, on to its executive committee.

The trio, who will hold the positions of voluntary chairman, honorary treasurer and secretary respectively, were elected at the council's annual meeting.

Mr Maxted joined the youth council executive committee two years ago as a volunteer and has been a key management member ever since.

He and the other volunteers are able to bring a wealth of knowledge on youth issues to the organisation.

The council's former chairwoman, Andrea Wilkinson, who held the post for eight years, said: "This is the first time that Gateshead Youth Council has had the key positions of chair, secretary and treasurer filled exclusively by young people under the age of 25."

The youth council is a registered charity supported by the local authority, and works on behalf of youth groups and clubs throughout Gateshead.

It also manages the Youth Information Shop in the MetroCentre.