Tom Astell, a pupil at Longcroft School, is standing for election to the youth parliament, which gives a voice to young people from all over the country.

Tom, who is believed to be the East Riding's youngest ever candidate, has been a member of the East Riding Youth assembly since 2006.

He is campaigning for young people's rights, including proper information about sexual health and relationships, anti-bullying policies in schools, and cheaper access for young people to sport and leisure centres.

Tom also want lower fares for young people on public transport and incentives for youngsters to recycle and do more conservation work within their communities.

Despite his youth, Tom has already had a weekly slot broadcasting on local radio after persuading station bosses to take him on. Last year he went out to Sierra Leone with the BBC and Comic Relief.

There he interviewed child soldiers, young women who were held prisoner and raped, and orphans whose parents had been killed. His experiences there helped to shape his views and made him more determined to try to change things for the better. "While I was there I realised how important freedom was and how lucky we are to have rights at all. I realised that civil war could happen in any country and that we need to work hard to keep the rights we have and for those we want to have in the future," he said.

Tom's dad, former Labour councillor Peter Astell, said his son has always had an interest in politics and both local and national news.

"Once Tom gets an idea into his head he will want to see it through. I am sure if he is elected he will be a great asset to the youth parliament," he said.

Tom's proud mum, youth worker Jayne Clarke, said Tom is the only candidate from Beverley and the youngest that this area has seen.

Despite his interest in politics, however, Tom is not aiming to be Prime Minister, saying that his ambition is to become a political journalist.

alison.morris@yrnltd.co.uk