A schoolgirl will represent Kingston in the UK Youth Parliament next year.

Georgia Bell and her deputy Fay Al-Jumaili, both from Coombe Girls School, will take up their posts on January 1 after being elected by other students.

The New Malden 14-year-old said: “When I researched Youth Parliament, I was amazed at the involvement that young people actually have and how much we are appreciated, it encourages me to input ideas and makes me realise how important we as teenagers are.

“Teenagers spend hours complaining about their local area, and the youth council helps me to realise that we can get up, and help out, to actually be proactive and change things for the better.”

Georgia will replace current youth parliament member, 17-year-old Rhammel Afflick, a pupil at Chessington Community College.

Kingston Youth Council is made up of 13 to 19 year olds who meet to debate issues affecting young people.

Successes have included their Bridge the Gap campaign to try and improve relationships between young people and police.

Councillor Patricia Bamford, executive member for safeguarding and children, said: “It is more important than ever we as a community recognise the achievements and commitment of our young people.”