A group of new district youth councillors were announced this week.

The results, which were announced during a declaration event at County Hall, Chelmsford, on Monday evening, saw 75 youngsters between the ages of 11 and 19 win their seats following a three-month election campaign. 

The new councillors, six of which are from the Epping Forest District, were elected after 19,000 votes were cast by young people across Essex.

Ballots took place in schools, libraries and youth centres, as well as online.

James Anderson and Joshua Collins of Davenant Foundation School in Loughton, Jack Burrows and Victoria Lloyd of Epping St Johns in Epping, Zoe Poulter of Debden Park High in Loughton and Matthew Tinker of Roding Valley High in Loughton, were selected as the new voices for Epping Forest.

The new Young Essex Assembly (YEA) members will be in office for a period of two years and represent young people across the county, campaigning for changes they believe will benefit the lives of their peers.

Essex County Council cabinet member Cllr Ray Gooding said: “The Young Essex Assembly plays an important role in democracy in Essex and a vital link between young people and local government.

“As a council we are always keen to listen to fresh ideas and we look forward to working closely with the newly-elected members over the next two years.”