Question Time hotspot for Tom, 14

A member of the UK Youth Parliament will sit on the panel at Councillor Question Time in Lichfield next week.

Tom Jardine, aged 14, serves the South Division which covers the Cannock Chase and Lichfield areas.

The Kingsmead Technology College student is one of five representatives sitting on the panel at the event at the Garrick Theatre on Tuesday.

It is Staffordshire County Council's version of Question Time and gives the audience the chance to ask the questions they want answering. ITV's Central News presenter Bob Warman is the host.

Tom, who lives in Hednesford, said: "I'm really grateful that I have been given the opportunity to become involved in an event like this.

"It's vitally important that young people are heard and listened to and it's at events like this that they get their chance. As I firmly believe in young people getting their voices heard, I'd urge young people in and around the Lichfield area to come along and have their say on September 9.

"This is a real opportunity for youngsters to come forward and pitch questions about issues important to them.

"Politicians and the county council can't shape services and deliver what youngsters want if they don't hear what they have to say first."

The panel consists of Tom plus county council leader John Taylor, cabinet member for healthier communities Susan Woodward, Lichfield Rural North county councillor Janet Eagland and area highways manager Clive Thomson.

At each event, the panel will consist of a cabinet representative, local members, a senior officer from the county council and where possible a member of the UK Youth Parliament. After the event, there will be a chance to meet and mingle with the panel and enjoy some light refreshments.

The question session will last around 90 minutes and will start at 7pm. Those attending are asked to start arriving from 6.30pm.

Members of the panel will not have sight of any questions to be asked beforehand. Places are limited so tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Councillor Taylor said: "It's fantastic that Tom is sitting on the panel. It gives him a real opportunity to get directly involved and listen to the questions that people want answering."

If you would like to attend call 01785 276817, email question.time@staffordshire.gov.uk or visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/question time before September 5.