SCHOOLBOY Adam Gallagher learned last night that he had secured the post of the UK's first youth mayor.

The 15-year-old, elected by Middlesbrough youngsters, will have a budget of more than £30,000 to spend on priorities which concern young people. He wants a non-alcoholic pub, improved sports facilities and a regular newsletter.

Adam said: "The first thing I would aim to do is to get young people a voice which is not only heard but respected. The first constructive thing I aim to do is get young people somewhere where they can hang about and have fun, rather than hang about on street corners.''

The turnout of secondary school voters was 32 per cent. As neither Adam nor his nearest rival, Daniel Ayton, got more than 50 per cent of the vote, the second choice votes had to be added up, giving Adam a convincing victory.

Middlesbrough Borough Council chief executive John Foster said: "It is now very much up to the new young mayor and the young people of Middlesbrough to make their mark on the town. We look forward to helping Adam put his policies into action.