Dozens of budding politicians have thrown their hats into the ring as they vie for a seat on Bradford and Keighley Youth Parliament.

Throughout the next week young people will elect their peers to represent them on the BKYP - six in each of the five constituencies.

Set up in 2002, the youth parliament will see 11 to 21-year-olds debating issues affecting life in the borough and forming policy suggestions which could ultimately influence decisions made by Bradford Council.

The BKYP is seen as one of the key ways to reinvigorate young people's interest in democracy, and if the number of candidates hoping to win a seat this year is anything to go by, it seems to be working in Bradford.

Candidates have put together manifestos and they will be campaigning throughout the week. Nearly 100 polling stations will be open from Monday around the district. They include youth clubs, libraries, schools and youth service offices.

More experimental methods are the ability of cast votes online and by text.

Norrina Rashid, team leader with Bradford youth service's voice and influence team, said: "The new-improved site has more interactive features than previous years, and for the first time people will also be able to watch candidates read out their manifestos online.

"There are now so many ways for young people to vote and we really hope that there will be a big response.

"It will be a very exciting elections week and we're all looking forward to the count at the Hilton Hotel in Bradford on Saturday."

The website has gone live, as has the text voting service. Simply text BKYP followed by the name of your chosen candidate to 0778 620 8100.

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