There are seven candidates standing for four positions, and youngsters aged 11 to 18 can vote using special ballot boxes that have been distributed to all schools, youth centres and pupil referral units in the district.

The candidates are elected to listen to concerns and ideas from people in Calderdale.

They will decide on issues for national campaigns.

To vote, ask in your school where to find the ballot box.

Usman Ali, 15, of Crossley Heath
"Young people often complain they don't have a say.
"The UK Youth Parliament is one opportunity to get views across in an effective way.
"My aims are to give youth a clear understanding of how environmental problems will affect us, to campaign for free or cheaper public transport, to publicise under-16 jobs, more safe places for young people to hang out and to make sure young people know about their rights."

Nick Green, 13, of Sowerby Bridge High
"I am just a normal kid wanting to give something back to all young people because I believe that everyone should have their say.
I promise I will speak up for young people.
"My aims are to achieve happiness in young people's lives about having their say and to take forward views on improving communities.
"I am committed, thoughtful and have a very good sense of humour."

Mark Holmes, 15, of North Halifax Grammar School"My aims are helping young people's voices be heard on the local, national and international, stage; empowering school councils so young people can make changes; and improving relations between young people and the police so they can act together on issues such as drinking, drugs, gangs and knife crime.
"I want to make a co-ordinated effort between Calderdale schools on the environment, global warming, sex and relationships education, and healthy eating."

Humera Haroon, of Halifax High School
"I promise to make a positive difference.
I am responsible and organised.
"With my set of leadership skills I have what it takes to serve you and be a strong voice for the youth of Calderdale.
"You can expect an honest, down-to-earth, reliable leader, who will do everything in her power to be a good listener.
"I am just a simple girl with a drive for a new challenge."

Alexander Healey, of Ryburn Valley High
"I am on the youth council for Calderdale and want to progress to the next level.
"My aims are to make Ripponden Park a youth zone, which means that all kids can go there and enjoy themselves and give children a charge of projects.
"I am familiar with the way the youth parliament works.
"I ran a sex and relationships education conference and a communications workshop at a youth parliament meeting."

Thaiba Hussain, 14, of Halifax High
"I have a voice. Maybe it's not God's gift but it can be heard. If this voice is heard, tomorrow's future is in our hands.
"Together we can overcome what affects us – transport, safety, sexual health and much more.
"I have leadership skills after attending the Future Leaders of Tomorrow course.
"I am just a simple, normal, everyday 14-year-old with a gob, who wants to do something useful with it. My aim is to get your ideas put forward."

Calum Paramor, 15, of Calder High"The most important issue is youth facilities. Too often we are just ignored or labelled as thugs. This hides the real problem. There is not a lot for young people to do in Calderdale. Together we can change this.
"Another pressing issue is getting every young person involved in youth politics. We must be united so our voices can be heard .
"This can be achieved by a better system of school councils, listening to young people and having the voting age lowered to 16."

• Got a schools story? E-mail our education reporter at cathy.neligan@halifaxcourier.co.uk



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