Mansfield District Council has welcomed its new Youth Mayor, 16-year-old Jake Baldry from Samworth Church Academy, Mansfield.

Jake signed the Youth Mayor’s pledge at a ceremony at the Civic Centre, where outgoing Youth Mayor Danielle Bridges was also presented with a bouquet of flowers and a framed certificate.

Vice-chairman of Mansfield District Council, Cllr Stephen Harvey thanked Danielle for her work over the last year, saying that she had been an excellent ambassador for both the council and young people. He also wished Jake well in his forthcoming role.

Jake will be representing young people across the district, taking their voice to the Mayor, members and council officers.

A keen rugby player, Jake wants to encourage young people to get involved in sport. “I’ve played rugby since I was six,” he says. “I believe that sport is good for young people’s mental and physical health. It makes you fitter, helps you to make friends and results in less stress and depression.”

Getting involved in fundraising for charity also sits high on Jake’s agenda, as he believes that charity events not only bring communities together for a good cause, but they also provide young people with an opportunity to showcase their strengths.

“I want young people to think about their talents and interests and maybe come up with ways of using their skills to raise money for charity,” says Jake. “I would like to see more young people in Mansfield getting involved in events like Children in Need and Comic Relief, and raising the profile of those charities. I have a particular interest in Cancer Research, as members of my family have had cancer.”

Jake says that he would also like to improve sex education for young people, making them aware of the dangers they can face and helping them to remain safe. He would also like to build stronger links with the British Youth Council.

Jake is the eighth Youth Mayor to take up the post. He was appointed following an uncontested Mansfield schools election, in which he was the only eligible candidate.

Executive Mayor of Mansfield District Council Kate Allsop said: “We are delighted to welcome Jake as Mansfield’s new Youth Mayor. His role not only encourages young people to become engaged in the political process, but also provides a strong representation of the youth voice in the district. We look forward to supporting him in the delivery of his manifesto.”

Jake is pictured with Danielle and Coun Harvey.