The contest to become Mansfield’s next Youth Mayor is hotting up as the four candidates give their campaigns a final push ahead of the election.

Ebony Maddison, of All Saints’ Catholic Academy; Jake Davis, of The Brunts Academy; Rebecca Kerrison, of The Samworth Church Academy, all Mansfield, and Ryan Guy, from Meden School, Warsop, have been on the campaign trail in the hope of attracting votes from the young people of the district.

Once elected, the Youth Mayor will represent young people in the district and take their views to the Mayor, councillors and officers of the council, partnership organisations and the community. The winning candidate will take over from last year’s Youth Mayor, Anna Rigby, from The Samworth Church Academy.

Ebony wants to ensure young people receive more education on mental health and life skills, such as budgeting and cooking, as well as promote equality and diversity through events.

Jake plans to help students to access good quality work experience and careers advice, urge leisure providers to provide more entertainment for teenagers and encourage young people to use of Mansfield’s open spaces.

Rebecca wants to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol, combat negative stereotypes of young people and show off their talents.

Ryan wants to make Mansfield more sustainable, provide more help for young people with mental health issues, and tackle homophobia and other kinds of discrimination.

Executive Mayor of Mansfield Kate Allsop said: “The Youth Mayor initiative has really helped to get young people interested and involved in the democratic process and local decision-making. They will be an ambassador for the district and will be the voice for young people, making sure their views are heard.

“I know that whoever is elected will have a great opportunity to meet people from different walks of life and develop new skills. This will certainly be an interesting year and one which I am sure they will remember for years to come.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all the candidates the very best of luck.”

The election is due to take place at participating schools on Thursday, 12th October. The count will take place the following day with the new Youth Mayor officially taking up their new role from Monday, 16th October.