THOUSANDS of youngsters from Poole have had their say on the issues affecting them.

Almost 4,500 young people cast their votes as part of the UK Youth Parliament's Make Your Mark ballots.

The town's member of youth parliament, Lili Donlon-Mansbridge, then represented Poole on the despatch box in the House of Commons.

Lili, 17, took to the national stage to present the argument for 'curriculum for life' becoming the organisation's priority for 2017.

A total of 863 votes were cast in Poole for the curriculum, a proposal to radically overhaul citizenship education and PSHE in schools through a youth-led UK-wide review.

In second place with 649 votes was the option 'stop cuts that affect the NHS', with 'transport' in third with 573 votes and voting at 16 in fourth with 502 votes.

The results will help to inform the town's 2017 candidates as they develop their campaign to become Poole’s next member of youth parliament.

Lili said: “Speaking in the House of Commons was very nerve-wracking, but an amazing experience.

"I was proud to represent Poole and to be the voice of my fellow young people.

"It was a great day”.

Councillor Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for children, young people and capital projects, said: “My congratulations go to Lili for her hard work and dedication during her time as Poole’s member of youth parliament.”

Anyone interested in following in Lili’s footsteps can attend workshops being held over the coming weeks.

Those who wish to get involved in youth parliament must be aged between 11 and 18 and can come along to any one of the following workshops:

Thursday, November 24, Civic Centre, 7pm-9pm

Tuesday, December 6, Hamworthy Library, 5pm-7pm

Wednesday, December 7, upstairs in Poole Central Library, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Monday, December 12, Civic Centre, 7pm-9pm

Saturday, January 7, upstairs in Poole Central Library, 10am-12pm

Tuesday, January 10, The Coffee House, Canford Heath, 5.30pm-7.15pm

For more information, email Becky McDade at r.mcdade@poole.gov.uk or visit upinpoole.co.uk