Two new borough representatives were elected to champion matters important to young people at the UK Youth Parliament on Thursday.

Romford Recorder: (Left to right) Frankie, Destiny and Tolu outside the Town Hall after the results of the election were announced.(Left to right) Frankie, Destiny and Tolu outside the Town Hall after the results of the election were announced. (Image: Archant)

Victor Sarpong from Marshalls Park School in Pettits Lane, Romford and Eddie O’Sullivan from Sanders School in Suttons Lane, Hornchurch were the two successful candidates.

More than 600 young people form the parliament and ensure the voices of young people are heard at national, regional and local levels.

Victor said: “I’m thankful and humbled that so many fellow young people voted for me to be their representative for Havering in the Youth Parliament and I don’t take it lightly.

“I’m looking forward to voicing and representing the opinions and views of young people across Havering.”

Eddie, 15, said: “I am very excited to move forward with such a great team and I am looking forward to putting the youth of Havering on the right path.

“The election process was stressful and hard work but at the same time fun and exciting. My objectives are to raise awareness of the racism and discrimination that is still present in our society and reduce the amount of young people under the age of 18 smoking and taking drugs.”

Sanders headteacher John McEachern said: “Eddie is a passionate, dedicated and inspirational young man who has worked immensely hard on his campaign.”

Neil Frost, head of Marshalls said: “we are incredibly proud of “our” Victor, and long may he promote our values of respect and democratic values, whilst promoting the interests of the youth of the borough.”

The youngsters will hold office for two years.