Mansfield's new youth mayor is elected

Scarlett, who is 15 and lives in Forest Town, said the election process was a great experience but admitted she had been nervous during the count, especially after just one vote separated her and another candidate after the first round of counting.

Scarlett, who is a keen rugby player, coach and referee at Mansfield, said: “I really want to help young people and make sure their voices are heard.”

Her manifesto pledges include increasing participation in sport, particularly among young women.

She also wants to improve work experience and careers advice by creating better local business links within schools to mentor students about a wide range of professions and vocations.

The council’s chief executive Hayley Barsby. Hayley said: “Once again we are delighted to have a Youth Mayor dedicated to acting as an advocate for the young people in the local area.

“It’s great to see somebody from Samworth elected this year and we are very pleased that Scarlett will be able to continue the good work in 2018/19 that Jake Davis did last year on behalf of our young residents.”

James Mycroft (Manor Academy) received 1,170 first and second preference votes and Reanna Cooper (Brunts Academy) received 735 first preference votes.

Candidates are aged between 14 and 18 and serve a one year term to act as an ambassador for Mansfield at various conferences and events.