THREE teenagers have been selected to speak on behalf of the youth of County Durham.

The trio will be among a dozen North-East teenagers, who have been selected to represent the region in the first UK Youth Parliament, in London, at the end of the month.

Christy Hodgson, 14, of Spennymoor, Lucy Robson, 14, of Leadgate, near Consett, and David Bowley, 18, of Castleside, also near Consett, were elected at a convention of youngsters, organised by Durham County Council, in December.

The young parliamentarians will produce a manifesto representing young people's hopes, fears and ideas, and all three main political parties will respond to it.

Christy, who goes to Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive, already has her own mini manifesto.

She would like to see reduced bus fares for people up to the age of 16, and teenagers able to learn to drive at the age of 16 before taking their test the following year.

Lucy, who became involved in the project through the Consett branch of the YMCA, said: "We have learnt a few things about how politics works. Now I'm looking forward to going down to London for the debates."

David became interested in the parliament as a result of studying history for A-level at St Bede's RC school, in Lanchester.

l The 287 members of the UK Youth Parliament will sit at the Cumberland Hotel, in Marble Arch, London, between February 23 and 25