CLUED-up youngsters have convinced councillors to look at providing them with winter transport.

The group of 11 to 16 year-olds, from several of Stockton's youth forums, visited the council chambers on Thursday night to take part in a discussion with leading councillors.

They had swotted up on a range of issues for the debate, including the provision of leisure facilities, transport and the regeneration of Thornaby town centre.

Councillor Bob Gibson, the leader of Stockton Borough Council, was so impressed with their argument for laying on buses from Tilery to Norton School during the winter, that he has agreed to raise the issue at a formal meeting.

Mark Mason, one of the council officers present, said: "I was pleasantly surprised that the young people were obviously well briefed.

"They came with some considerable knowledge, and the response from Coun Gibson was very positive.

"He agreed to take their suggestion to a formal meeting."