VISIONARY teenagers have the chance to make life better for young people in Lewisham by standing for the position of Young Mayor.

Applications for the prestigious post - which is the longest running of its kind in the country - will close on September 14 with elections held on October 10.

The elected candidate puts forward the views of young people to the council and handles a budget of at least £30k. They have a team of Young Advisors to help with these duties.

Aspiring young mayors must be between 13 and 17 at the time of election and live or go to school or college in the borough.

The scheme was first set up in 2004 by Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock and the Young Mayor post is currently held by Kieran Lang with Chezney Speed-Skyers as deputy.

To find out more and to download an application pack visit lewisham.gov.uk/mayorandcouncil/youngmayor/