AN Instagram account is being set up in an attempt to get Bradford's young people to better engage with local politics.

The account will keep young people informed of upcoming discussions being held by Bradford Council's various committees, and in particular its Children's Services Scrutiny Committee.

Young people who follow the account would be able to comment on the social media app to give their views of the issues, and these comments would be passed onto the committees to consider in their debates.

It is hoped that it will give the committees a wider collection of views about important local issues.

Vinay Verma, 16, spoke to Councillors at the last scrutiny Children's Services Scrutiny Committee meeting last night. Members heard that agenda items would be summarised and posted on the app a week before the meetings took place.

The account would be private for safeguarding reasons, but that young people would be allowed to join the group, and it would be advertised in local schools and youth groups.

Members agreed that it was a good idea, despite the majority at the meeting not being familiar with Instagram. Chair Councillor Dale Smith told the young people: "I'm afraid you're dealing with dinosaurs here."