This sort of initiative aimed at getting the youngsters of today interested and involved in politics on a local level surely has to be applauded.

Whatever side of the political divide you sit on, there can be no doubting that this is a good idea.

The 'mini-mayor' will be democratically elected at a specially-arranged vote being held on 16th October - with each school and college in the district putting forward one candidate aged from 14-17.

This sort of youth-only election - which will see all school pupils over 11-years-old eligible to vote - seems like a great way of getting young people engaged in politics.

You just have to look at the way people of all ages and background are so heavily-involved in the Presidential elections in the USA, and compare it to the general jaded feeling which seems to surround the political scene in this country, to know that something needs to be done to empower youngsters and prevent them from falling into the apathetic abyss which seems to have grasped the UK.

The mayor himself hopes the person elected will create some positive news about youngsters - rather than all the complaints about 'hoodies' and their anti-social behaviour.

Not only will the youth mayor shadow Mr Egginton and create a manifesto to improve the image of youngsters, but they will also be in charge of their own budget for their year in office to spend on projects of their choice.

Showing this sort of trust in the youngsters of our district is a revolutionary idea and should not be dismissed as just a stunt.

It is clear more needs to be done to curb the fear surrounding gangs of youths hanging about on street corners, and having a positive role-model in a position of authority like this must be a step in the right direction.