Voting has begun this week to elect a new Enfield Youth Parliament.

Young people aged between eleven and 19 and disabled people up to 25 have until Thursday, October 17, to cast their vote.

A total of 27 candidates have been put forward to stand in four areas, with 16 set to make up the third Enfield Youth Parliament.

Around the borough, 15 secondary schools, including four academies and two special needs schools will be among those voting as well as the College of Haringey and North East London.

Successful candidates will sit for a two-year term in the parliament, attending Enfield Borough Council’s children and young people’s scrutiny panel and giving presentations at council meetings.

Councillor Ayfer Orhan, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Launching this election is a privilege for me. This is a great opportunity for young people to take part in a democratic process and I am delighted that we are able to encourage them in their own election.

“The 27 candidates standing for election have already prepared their manifestoes and their leaflets explaining what they stand for and what they hope to do if elected.

“The council has pledged its support for the Enfield Youth Parliament and we will be taking their views seriously. All the candidates deserve our praise for working so hard for their generation.”

For information on where to vote, click here.