Sixty young people stood for election across 14 secondary schools in the Borough with an overall turnout of 69.4 per cent.

All election candidates, their parents, friends and teachers were invited to a special election night celebration at Woolwich Town Hall on 29 November where the 32 new youth councillors were announced. They will spend the next two years representing their peers and influencing decision-making.

Outgoing councillors received certificates from the Mayor, Councillor Peter Brooks, thanking them for their contribution.

Councillor Chris Kirby, Cabinet Member covering the Children and Young People portfolio, gave advice to the new young councillors and encouragement to those who were unsuccessful on this occasion.

Representation

Candidates could choose to represent one of 14 schools:

• Corelli College
• Eltham Hill
• Greenwich Free School
• Harris Academy Greenwich
• Newhaven
• Plumstead Manor
• St Mary Magdalene
• St Paul's Academy
• St Thomas More
• Stationers' Crown Woods
• The John Roan
• Thomas Tallis
• Willow Dene School
• Woolwich Polytechnic.

Or they could choose to represent one of three areas:

• Eltham East and New Eltham
• Greenwich and Blackheath
• Woolwich and Charlton.

A youth councillor from the Children in Care Council has also been elected.

Youth councillors

Young people aged 11 to 18 years old (or up to 25 years old with a disability) who live in the Borough or go to school here are eligible to apply to become a youth councillor for the Greenwich Young People's Council.

School Council Conference

More young people than ever before will be able to have their voices heard at the first School Council Conference next month. The event will enable all young people who are members of their school council to help Greenwich Young People's Council decide its priorities for the year ahead - helping make their manifesto more representative than ever.

School councillors will also learn about how to be a better youth representative.

'Fantastic opportunity for young people to make their voices heard'

Councillor Chris Kirby said: "The Greenwich Young People's Council is a fantastic opportunity for young people to make their voices heard. It is clear that young people in Royal Greenwich are enthusiastic about creating positive change and making a difference which is inspiring to see.

"I look forward to reading the Greenwich Young People's Council manifesto and working together to make our Borough a better place for people of all ages to live, learn, work and visit."