TWO young people are beginning their roles representing Hampshire’s youth.

Alex Maynard, 20, from Gosport, and Amelia Wrigley, 16, from Winchester, were chosen from among 38 young people who bid for the 12-month voluntary role.

Seven were shortlisted for interview by the panel, which included two of Hampshire’s Youth Parliament members, Sam Longmore and Zoni Asif, and Councillor Ray Bolton, chairman of the county’s Children and Young People Select Committee.

They were impressed by Alex and Amelia’s enthusiasm and their commitment to voicing the aspirations and attitudes of their peers. Amelia, who was head girl at Kings’ School in Winchester, said: “I hope to effectively voice the opinions of Hampshire’s young people and increase youth engagement with the decisions that affect us.”

Alex, previously a member of Youth Parliament for Hampshire, mirrored those sentiments, saying: “I look forward to the challenges involved and helping to enable young people to have a say.”

Amelia is a student at Peter Symonds College and Alex is currently studying for a degree in International Relations at Portsmouth University. They will continue their studies alongside their new roles.