YOUNG people in Hillingdon are being encouraged to vote in the UK Youth Parliament's annual Make Your Mark ballot.

The ballot decides the issues to be debated by the Youth Parliament at their sitting in the Commons in November.

A drive is on for votes to ensure the views of those aged 11-18 in Hillingdon are represented.

Cllr David Simmonds, deputy leader of Hillingdon Council, said: "Last year, thanks to the hard work of Hillingdon's Youth Council, Younger Members and local schools, our borough's young people showed their enthusiasm for the democratic process by returning the most votes in London.

"We'd like to see an even more impressive turnout this year. W are aiming to encourage 8,000 young people to cast their vote and tell the UK Youth Parliament about the topics most relevant to them."

Make Your Mark ballot gives young people the opportunity to vote for one of 10 issues they think should be a Youth Parliament campaign next year.

The current campaign is for those as young as 16 to have the right to vote in general and local elections.

Young people can vote online now via www.mi-voice.com/mym. Voting closes on Friday, October 10.