Youngsters await election result

Ellie Lock and Chris Belk were last year's winners

The results of a contest to elect Dorset representatives for the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) are due to be revealed later.

Six youngsters have put themselves forward for the two MYP places - outlining their policies in manifestos on the county council's website.

Anyone aged between 11 and 18 can vote on the website for their choice but must do so before Wednesday evening.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Dorchester's County Hall.

'Important issues'

Toni Coombs, Dorset County Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "The Youth Parliament election is an exciting opportunity for young people to learn about the democratic process and stand up for the issues that are important to them."

This year's candidates are Chris Hinde from Weymouth, Jessica Winter from Sherborne, Matthew Cox from Dorchester, Rosie Dunlavey from Dorchester, Zoe Bevis from Bridport and Chris Belk from Christchurch.

Last year 7,000 young people voted in the election.

The UKYP was launched in 1999 and sits once a year.