Almost 5,500 young people went to the polling booths to elect their representatives in the UK Youth Parliament.

Sitting UKYP member Mike Fidanoglu, a sixth-form student at Hayesfield School, was re-elected as the representative for Bath, with 2,588 votes, while William Bridges, from Writhlington School, was elected in the North East Somerset seat, with 1,908 votes.

People aged 11 to 18 were invited to vote at schools and youth hubs last week.

This year's turnout was 5,476, down on last year's of 6,552.

Councillor Nathan Hartley, Bath and North East Somerset Council's cabinet member for early years, children and youth, who announced the result of the election as returning officer, said there had been a hard-fought campaign between the five candidates for the two seats.

"The UK Youth Parliament election day is a culmination of lots of hard work, school visits and training days and support to the young people standing, helping them to prepare their campaigns.

"This was a very hard-fought race which has given all the candidates and the young voters a valuable insight into the election process, and offered them a say in who they want to represent them on issues that matter to them.

"Improving the life chances of children and young people is a key priority of the council so we're proud to support the youth parliament. We wish the new members the best of luck and we look forward to working alongside them in the future."

The two MYPs will organise events, projects and join their counterparts from around the country at the UKYP Annual Sitting.