The Youth Mayor of Mansfield has welcomed a group of international military strategists to the town.

The group of high-ranking British and international military officials paid a visit to the Civic Centre, Mansfield, on Monday as part of their work at the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS).

They were welcomed by the Mayor of Mansfield, Tony Egginton, before Youth Mayor Danielle Bridges spoke about her role.

Students from local schools and members of the local cadet forces spoke to the military officials about their future ambitions and opportunities, as well as the barriers they face. They also talked about topics such as apprenticeships, education, health and wellbeing and their social life and hobbies.

Youth Mayor Danielle Bridges said “It was an honour to welcome such prestigious visitors to Mansfield and to give them an insight into the Youth Mayor programme. By giving them the opportunity to speak with some local young people, I hope it enabled them to have a better understanding of the issues we face.”

The group included members from The Netherlands, Ghana, Oman, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Nigeria, Qatar, and Great Britain. During their visit to the East Midlands, they looked at the region’s political, social, economic and cultural aspects, as well as local governance and youth.