Youth has its say on a safer, healthier and wealthier future for Arun

Around 80 11-to-18-year-olds took part in the event, organised by Arun Youth Council. It set out to look at how government could plan for every child, no matter what their background or circumstance, to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic wellbeing.

They were divided into teams, and asked to audit Arun District Council's services, to find out how different departments contributed to these five outcomes.

They then gave presentations to the audience, which included council leader Gill Brown and vice-chairman Ash Patel. The team which focused on the council's strategy and partnership department, and spoke about how young people are represented in the media, were judged as the winners.

Mrs Brown said: "This was one of the best. The overall standard of the presentations was amazing, so well done."

"I want to reassure all the other young people who put so much thought and effort into producing a fine set of outcomes that the council will look at these very carefully, and take them into consideration when making decisions that effect young people in the future."

The youngsters' ideas and suggestions will be made into an A5 leaflet by Arun District Council.