Darlington'S new Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP) has been announced following a tight vote.

Last year, James Gilbey was the first person elected to represent the borough on the body and his replacement was voted in by a margin of just seven per cent.

Seventeen-year-old Jamie Dillon received 28 per cent of the votes, to secure victory over his deputy, 16-year-old Jamie Mitchell.

The winner is a member of Darlington Borough Council's Blitz Bus Support team, which travels around the area offering advice and help to young people on a variety of youth issues.

In his new post, Jamie will attend various events, including national and regional assemblies, alongside other MYPs from around the country.

Speaking about the first Darlington MYP, council leader John Williams said: "To have a Member of Youth Parliament for Darlington over the past year has been a wonderful opportunity to get young people more involved in the democratic process.

"James Gilbey has been able to give them a voice, and as well as the year being a valuable experience for James personally, he has used it well to consult widely with young people throughout the borough and represent their views.

"I'm sure the new representative will continue the good work and get even more young people more involved in issues and determine their own futures."