A NEW campaign to promote skills that will boost young people’s job prospects will be one of the top priorities for the Youth District Council over the next year.

Members will also be striving to raise the YDC’s profile across the district and to encourage more students to get involved in its work.

Those were among the aims highlighted at its annual meeting, which also saw the most keenly fought leadership elections in its history.

Liam Wallace and Sollie Davies, both from Sir Harry Smith Community College in Whittlesey, emerged as the new chairman and vice-chairman, narrowly beating off challenges from Charlotte Brenchley, Caitlin Mills and Matthew Halmshaw.

In a subsequent vote for the finance officer’s post, Charlotte Brenchley defeated Jack Mosely-Hutchinson.

Councillor Steve Garratt, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder responsible for young people, congratulated all the young councillors on their achievements over another very successful year.

Highlights had included the Democracy Day at the Boathouse, the “dignity and respect” campaign, the support for a series of youth arenas and safety zones and the help given at the annual Fendis day for disabled people.

“You’ve also made a massive difference to the 12 groups you decided to award grants,” he said.

Earlier Paul Medd, the council’s chief executive, had praised the quality of all the election candidates’ presentations. “They showed just how professional you all are,” he said.

He told the YDC members: “What you all do helps to allay some of the myths that are built up about young people. The things you’re achieving aren’t easy – they’re hard work and they come on top of everything else you do at school and at home.”

Describing them as “valuable ambassadors” for young people and for FDC, Mr Medd urged them to keep up their good work. “You can rest assured that you’ve got the full support of officers and elected Members. That’s based on the fact that you’ve got such a successful track record.”