Young people interested in becoming youth MPs are being invited to training days across the district next month.

The sessions are for young people aged 11 to 25 who want to become involved in the Bradford and Keighley Youth Parliament (BKYP).

Youngsters will learn about the roles and responsibilities of Members of the Youth Parliaments (MYPs).

"There are 103 young people fighting for 30 seats on the youth parliament," said project co-ordinator Norrina Rashid.

"The elections will take place on September 24. These training sessions are aimed at giving prospective MYPs a taste of what will be required of them if elected. If they decide they still want to stand they will be invited to stand for election and organise campaign profiles for the local press, TV and radio."

The youth parliament will sit in the Bradford Council chamber at City Hall and will have power to make decisions and rule over a Council budget set aside for young people.

A number of agencies, including the Council, youth service, social services, and the education and health authorities are involved with the project.

Council leader Margaret Eaton said the project highlighted the district's Capital of Culture bid among young people.

"Young people have a major role to play in our bid to become Capital of Culture," she said. "Many of them will be adults by the year 2008 and it will be great for them to be able to look back and say they helped to improve the district and win the title. This is a real opportunity for young people to make a positive contribution."

Adele Bosworth, 24, a youth worker involved with the training, sees the parliament as a chance for young people to learn about the decision-making processes affecting their everyday lives.

"As a young person I knew very little about politics and felt isolated from the people and organisations making the decisions affecting my life," she said.

"The BKYP is an opportunity to create a culture where the views and opinions of young people are heard and valued. I would urge all young people to become involved."

The training day timetable is:

Bradford North: August 5 at the Fagley Youth and Community Centre, Fagley Road.

Bradford South: August 6 at the YMCA Little Horton Lane.

Bradford West: Date to be confirmed, at the Carlisle Business Centre, Manningham.

Keighley: August 6 at the Parkwood Centre, Parkwood Rise, Keighley.

Shipley: August 6 at Shipley Library.

For more information contact Norrina Rashid on 01274 432135.