YOUNG people from across headed to the city council's headquarters this week, to talk to decision makers about major developments and services in York.

The Year 8 and 9 students from 11 city schools were at West Offices on Wednesday for the first ever "Secondary Voices" event giving secondary school pupils chance to air their views about things that matter in York.

The event was organised by City of York Council and Clifton Green Primary School, following the success of a "Primary Voices" event for younger children earlier this year.

John Hattam from Clifton Green said: "This was an opportunity for young people in York to have a say and represent their schools."

The youngsters could take part in different workshops looking at things like budgeting and how they would spend council money and the York Central development and what they would like to see built there.

They also met senior councillors and representatives from all four political parties on York council. They also gave their views on the city's Healthy Child Service, and spoke to York Youth Council about campaign ideas for the coming year.

Jon Stonehouse, the council’s director of children, education and community opened the event and chief executive Mary Weastall closed it by thanking all who contributed and attended.

Cllr Stuart Rawlings, executive member for education, children and young people, added: “Experiencing democracy is key to getting young people interested in local government and supporting their communities.

“I’m delighted so many attended and was interested to talk with the students and hear their concerns and aspirations for the city and their own futures.”

The first Primary Voices for primary school children was held in June, and organisers are now hoping to bring both events back again and make them annual occurrences.