A RHYL army cadet and Ysgol Glan Clwyd pupil has launched a bid to become a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament.

Jacob Evans, 15, who lives in Rhyl has applied to join the Parliament which aims to empower young people to identify, raise awareness and debate issues that matter to them.

Jacob, who has applied to stand for the Vale of Clwyd, said: "I decided to stand in this election because I am keen to make a difference in the area and to play a part in addressing the issues facing young people.

"If elected, I would push for a review of the Welsh Baccalaureate because many young people feel that time spent on this course would be better utilised on a curriculum for life, covering areas such as finance, the political system and sustainable living. This would provide young people with the knowledge needed to vote on the issues affecting them and I would therefore also campaign to lower the voting age to 16 in local elections."

He added: “Sadly mental health problems affect about one in 10 children and young people. and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives. However, research has found that 70 per cent of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.

“Being in year 11 myself, and having already sat some GCSEs, I understand the pressure that exams can place on us young people, who at this stage in our lives are also dealing with the general challenges of maturing. a

"I would therefore also lobby for more funding to provide better mental health support to all young people, but particularly those going through exams."

A total of 60 young people aged 11 - 18 will become Welsh Youth Parliament members.

During an election in November, 40 will become members. The remaining 20 will be elected by partner organisations. Visit www.youthparliament.wales