THREE teenagers have been announced as the newly elected members of the Youth Parliament for Cumbria after determined campaigning.

About 8,704 votes were cast in the nail-biting ballot which saw, Aaron Kelly, 17, from West Lakes Academy, Egremont, Ellis Haywood, 13, from St Bernard's High School, Barrow, and Ben Perris, 16, from Ullswater Community College elected as the voice of young people in the county.

Aaron was elected for Allerdale and Copeland, Ellis for South Lakes and Barrow and Ben for Carlisle and Eden.

Nominations took place in January 2020, with candidates attending training, submitting a manifesto, and preparing a campaign strategy.

Campaigning took place from January, in schools, and colleges across Cumbria with candidates delivering presentations in assemblies and taking part in hustings.

They campaigned on issues as diverse as climate change, environmental issues, mental health services for young people, equal opportunities.

Anna Todd, a county council participation officer who helped supervise the ballot, said: "The election is a fantastic way of involving young people in democratic processes."

Deputy members of the parliament are Josh Gillson, 16, from Keswick School, James Lennon, 15, from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, and Rhiannon Kaye, 17, from Kirkbie Kendal School.