YOUNG people will be joining discussions on the strengths and weaknesses of County Durham today.

The first State of the County event will feature a representative audience of more than 200 guests taking part in the discussion, staged as part of Local Democracy Week.

Now in its eighth year, the week is organised by the Local Government Association to encourage young people and the public to become more involved in decision-making and planning processes affecting them.

More than 20 events are being held across the county, including tonight's debate, at County Hall, in Durham.

Representatives of young people's groups will be among those packing the council chamber for the debate, chaired by BBC TV's Look North political correspondent, Tony Baker.

County council leader Ken Manton said recent research suggested more than half of young people believe their local council has no direct relevance to them.

Councillor Manton said he hoped the events would prove them wrong.

He said: "The events we have organised are aimed at bringing people and councillors closer together to get a better knowledge and understanding of each other's work and viewpoints.

"Our big debate will give them a real chance to air their views and aspirations before an audience, which will include key decision-makers and opinion-formers in the county, together with representatives of local community and voluntary groups, plus members of the public."

Other events during the week include the selection of three new members to the UK Youth Parliament, young people shadowing Coun Manton and Coun Joe Armstrong, who chairs the county council's scrutiny committee.

Young people will also be involved in consultations on smoking in public places and will carry out an exercise to find out the needs of their peers in Peterlee and Trimdon Station.