RICHMOND'S new MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) took up her post this week.

Katherine Pearce, 15, of Hampton Community College, won 1,724 of the 5,738 votes cast at more than 20 polling stations at schools across the borough.

It was the highest turn-out the elections have ever had.

The results were announced at the council chamber in York House on February 10 before council leader Serge Lourie, opposition leader Nicholas True and Twickenham MP Vince Cable. Katherine will be supported by deputies Salim Olila, 16, of Whitton School, and Rosemary Benson-Odum, 17, of Richmond College.

She said: "I would like to thank all the people who voted and those who supported me on the campaign trail. I am really excited to have this opportunity and look forward to working with my deputies on behalf of young people."

The vote was open to people aged 11-18 who live, work, go to school or attend a youth club in the borough.

The elected members will help organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of local young people are heard by decision-makers.