HOT on the heels of the General Election, more than 350 youngsters will spell out their plans for the country's youth today.

The Oakwood Centre, Eaglescliffe, will be the venue for The Event - What's It All About. Hosted by children's television presenter Kirsten O'Brien, from Middlesbrough, it will be attended by about 100 representatives of the area's decision-makers.

Stockton MP Dari Taylor will listen to the young people's views and relay them back to the House of Commons.

The event will start with a buffet, then 20 groups of young people representing the area's youth forums and youth parliament will lead activities based on art, mime and singing.

The evening will end with an explosive balloon drop and a karaoke disco.

Fifteen youngsters have been working with Safe in Tees Valley for about six months to plan the event.

Christine Davidson, Cleveland Police's youth liaison secondee, said: "So often, Governments and organisations make decisions without consulting our young people - this is their opportunity to tell us what is important to them and what they want to secure their own future."