THE race to become the next Young Mayor of Lewisham is entering its final stages.

With nominations now closed, 33 youngsters have spent the past two weeks campaigning to succeed Manny Hawks, who is standing down after a year in office.

The Young Mayor will be given a £25,000 budget to spend on youth projects and can also appoint their own mini-cabinet.

The 33 candidates will face their public on Wednesday, with votes being cast at schools across the borough.

All 11 to 17-year-olds in the borough are eligible to vote, either at their school or college or through a postal vote.

Voting will take place on Wednesday and the winner will be announced on Thursday.

For an interview with the new Young Mayor see next week's News Shopper.

For more information, visit the website youngmayor4lewisham.co.uk