AFTER a successful election process, new youth councilors from Herefordshire met for a celebration evening before getting down to the serious business of holding their first meeting as the new Youth Council in 2007.

Members stepping down reflected on their 12 months in office and wished the Youth Council future success.

Six members from last year's council will continue to hold a seat, two of which have gained the position of UK Youth Parliament members enabling the council to connect to national as well as local youth issues.

The Youth Council, having reached its second year, continues to aim to give young people aged 11-18 years of age a representative voice in Herefordshire.

After consulting young people in the county, the four main topics of concern were found to be environment, facilities for young people, school and education and health.

The HYC has established a working council by setting up sub-committee to deal with publicity, consultations, events and the Youth Opportunity fund that have allocated more than £200,000 to young people in Herefordshire to fund their own activities, trips and events.

The Youth council will meet on April 21 and 22 at Herefordshire's Dinedor outdoor centre for a weekend of team building and setting of goals for the year ahead.

If you would like to contact the Herefordshire Youth Council, its members have developed their own website and can be contacted on www.herefordshireyouthcouncil.co.uk.