YOUNG people across the Darlington borough will help to decide the future of the town's youth service.

Some youngsters could even be employed part-time by the service in Darlington.

Plans to employ six more youth workers next year were revealed earlier this week, and staff say they want to make a firm commitment to involving young people in the organisation.

Increased youth engagement is one of several initiatives introduced in the wake of a damning report in May by education watchdog Ofsted, which branded it "inadequate" in every area.

Mervyn Bell was appointed head of the youth service in September, and he says youth participation is crucial.

He said: "My vision and desire is to get to the position where people making the decisions are really engaging with young people.

"They need to know they have some ownership, control and influence over it.

"We need to get out there to the places young people are hanging out."