A SEARCH for a young mayor has begun and the winning candidate will have £30,000 to spend on young people's issues.

Lewisham Council is looking for youngsters, aged 13 to 18, to replace the current young mayor of Lewisham, 16-year-old Miguel Gutierrez Astudillo.

It is also looking for a team of young advisers, aged 11 to 18, to help the new representative run his or her office for a year with a pot of money which has increased by £5,000 since last term.

The deadline for applications is September 18 and the winner will be announced following an election on October 14.

Miguel said: “Becoming young mayor is one of the best things I’ve ever done. My advice to anyone who wants to get involved in democracy is to just go for it.

"You will find that as you get passionate about young people’s issues, it will get easier to talk about them – especially to adults."

Youngsters who want to stand should visit beinvolved.org.uk and print off an application form.