By ROBERT GIBSON rgibson@cngroup.co.uk

Last updated at 15:29, Thursday, 08 November 2012

A PRUDHOE High School student is to play a lead role in a House of Commons debate on public transport.

Callum Crozier, a member of Northumberland’s Youth Parliament, has been elected as one of two main speakers from the region to talk on the subject on November 23.

The debate is part of the Youth Parliament’s Make Your Mark project, which allows young people to vote for the issues that are most important to them.

In Northumberland, more than 700 ballot papers were returned, highlighting cheaper, better and more accessible public transport as one of three main priorities locally.

The top five issues nationally will be discussed during the debate, before Youth Parliament members vote on the national campaign issue of the year.

Callum, who is also the chairman of Northumberland Conservative Future, said: “It’s an honour to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the debate on the front benches on public transport.

“My speech, which will be broadcast on national television, will be highlighting the importance of public transport in the lives of young people, and how crucial it is to ensure it becomes more affordable, efficient and effective for them.”

Northumberland County Council’s executive member for children and young people, Coun. Lesley Rickerby said: “It’s fantastic to see young people so engaged in thinking of ways to make positive changes in society.”

First published at 07:34, Wednesday, 07 November 2012
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk