A POOLE student from Magna Academy has been elected as a member of the UK Youth Parliament.

Ryan Cornish, 16, will represent the BCP council area as a Member of the Youth Parliament for the next two years.

Ryan said: “I’m happy to have the platform to convey my passion about the issue of knife crime.

“Giving my speech at the hustings and later speaking at the awards ceremony in front of the councillors was quite nerve-racking but the experience has increased my confidence and my public speaking ability.

“I’m excited at the chance I’ve been given; I've gained the initiative to make change and that’s very motivating.”

A Magna Academy spokesperson said: “Our goal as an academy was to actively engage in the Youth Parliament and its processes.

“It was really exciting when Ryan chose to get involved.

“What’s been so impressive is that the votes Ryan received from students at his own school amounted to less than a quarter of the votes cast for him.

“His reach beyond Magna is very impressive. We are all very proud of him and are ready to support him on this exciting journey.”