POLITICIANS of the future are being given the opportunity to represent their town in the Young People's Parliament.

Applications for Darlington's next Young Member of Parliament (YMP), who will represent the town from next year to 2014, will open tomorrow in preparation for elections between February 27 and March 2, next year.

The role is open to people who are aged between 11 and 19 and have a genuine interest in representing Darlington at a national level.

The incumbent YMP, Ben Million, said: "It's difficult to describe exactly what the job involves. My role has been very different from the last YMP and I'm sure the next person will have a different role too.

"What can be guaranteed is a wealth of fantastic experiences that will help any future politician along the way.

"I have been to many different countries and travelled the UK. I've also been to the House of Commons on a number of occasions to debate in the chamber.

"In my manifesto, I said that I wanted some covered cycle parking in the town centre and that looks like it could become a possibility.

"It's a great feeling representing other young people and having a say in how things are done in the town.

"My manifesto was perhaps a little too ambitious and costly, but I have managed to get a couple of the things through, including the bike parking.

"We hope to set up a young people's council in Darlington which will genuinely strive to give young people more of a voice and would hope any new YMP would work closely with the council."

Leader of Darlington Borough Council, Bill Dixon, said: "The YMP has an important job representing the views and opinions of young people throughout the borough and ensuring they have a real voice in the decision-making which affects them.

"I would urge any young people who care about their town and want to have a say on its future, to consider putting themselves forward for this important role."

To register an interest in standing, go to the UK Youth Parliament Darlington page on Facebook or email andy.whittam@darlington.gov.uk