A TEENAGER from Malvern has become the District Council's first ever Youth Chairperson.

Matthew Knight, who is a student at Hanley Castle High School, has been chosen by the council to help with decision making and campaigns relating to youth projects.

The 15 year-old will be given a budget to support local youth projects and will hold consultations with the district's young people, being supported by three youth advisors.

Matthew is secretary of the Worcestershire Youth Cabinet, where he has been involved in youth projects and co-running mental health service consultations.

Last year he was highly commended for the Inspirational Young Person's Community Award in the Pride of the Malvern Hills Awards.

He said: "I am really looking forward to working with other young people and councillors from across the district to make it a better place for us all.

"I’m also looking forward to focussing on mental health education and introducing a curriculum for life."

READ MORE: Nearly 40,000 people join in with virtual Three Counties Show

More information about the Youth Chairperson and Youth Advisors can be found at www.malvernhills.gov.uk/youth

Cllr Sarah Rouse, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We’re delighted to welcome Matthew into the Council.

"It was clear from his interview that he is a very passionate individual and I believe he will do great things for young people in the district.

"We are also excited to be gaining three excellent Youth Advisors who will bring additional skills and insight to the team."

The council created the role as part of its Youth Action Plan in response to the Bigger Picture Survey - a questionnaire which asked more than 1,200 young people about what it is like to live, work and study in the district.

The results saw 85 per cent say they wanted to be kept informed and get involved with decision making.

To contact Matthew, email youth@malvernhills.gov.uk or call our Engagement Officer, Claire Vaughan, on 01684 862449.