ASPIRING young politicians from Dorset will be fighting for youngsters’ rights this weekend.

County representatives Lloyd Hatton, Moya Dunne and Natasha Glendening are heading to Nottingham for the annual siting of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).

They will be among 250 UKYP members gathering to stand up for their peers and debate issues.

The trio were elected earlier this year to the UKYP, a national organisation which gives 11 to 18-year-olds an opportunity to get involved in national and local decision-making.

In the past members have campaigned on a range of issues including cheaper public transport, more ways to give young people a voice and anti-bullying initiatives.

Locally, the election process is managed by Dorset County Council’s youth and community service.

Deputy member Lloyd, 16, from Weymouth will be supporting UKYP members Moya, 15, from Ferndown and Natasha, 15, from Sherborne, at the annual sitting which is spread over three days at Nottingham University.

Lloyd said: “As this is my first year in the Youth Parliament I am really looking forward to this sitting, as it will be the first time I see practically every member.

“As somebody who enjoys and is soon to be studying politics this sitting is hopefully going to be a truly insightful and exciting opportunity that should hopefully increase my awareness of the problems affecting young people nationally as well as locally.

“I also hope the sitting presents lots of opportunities so I am able to continue carrying out my manifesto pledges to the best of my ability.”