THREE teenagers from Welwyn Hatfield are among a new generation of budding politicians.

Sam Mahrouche, 17, and Joe Reason, 16, were both elected with four others to become fully-fledged MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament), while 16-year-old Tara Acton was among five others to be selected as a deputy MYP.

Sam, who attends Stanborough School sixth-form, said: “I’m proud to be representing a lot of people. They’re counting on me, and I like the responsibility that comes with this role.”

He said he planned to get shops, restaurants and cafes in Welwyn Hatfield to offer discounts to students who produce their school student cards.

Sam also criticised the Government for scrapping School Sports Partnerships.

“I want the Government to really understand what they’re doing, because I really don’t think they do,” he said.

Joe, a first year sixth-former at Monk’s Walk School in WGC, said he aimed to improve activities for young people in the borough.

“Young people are constantly going on saying there’s not enough activities for them, so it’s about improving sports facilities, drama facilities and holding things like art exhibitions,” he said.

“It’s just a case of getting these things up and running and making sure young people have things to do and stay out of trouble.”

The MYPs are elected for one year, and will have to work fast to get their policies and strategies through in time.

Tara, from Welwyn, said she was hoping to tackle issues surrounding environmental awareness and sex education for young people.

“We need to get cracking now,” she said. “We had our first meeting on Wednesday which was quite informal, but hopefully we should have something to report by the next meeting.”

Tara said all the MYPs were hoping to get the cost of public transport reduced for under-18s.

“We don’t think it’s fair to be classed as an adult once you’re over 15,” she said. “Last year in Essex, they managed to get prices reduced, so it’s an achievable aim.”