by Mary Graham

Forget the general election - there were nerves and excitement aplenty as new members of the Kent Youth County Council were elected on Saturday.

Thousands of youngsters went to the polls to vote for the new youth council, which will soon start making its views known on major issues, such as education, transport and the environment.

The number of candidates for the council was up from 77 in 2008 to 106 this year, with 48 new councillors being elected.

Others who have been on the council for a year are returning, as each youth councillor serves at least a two-year term, while several new community seats were also created.

Sam Lain, 16, who works at West Kent College, in Tonbridge, was one of those newly elected for the Maidstone district. He is campaigning for the age of the Kent Freedom Pass to be raised from 11-16 to 11-18.

He said: "You are still classed as a child until the age of 18, but suddenly at 16, you are expected to pay adult fares, which can be hard, especially if you are staying on at sixth form.

"I'm doing this to try and make a difference. I don't think young people understand about local or national government and I think more could be done in schools to change that and that more can be done to make sure young people are inspired by their education."

Josh Powell, 16, of Cranbrook School, was elected for Tunbridge Wells. He said: "My big issue is the environment and how we can improve things for people and the environment and start using more renewable energy sources.

" have already had letters back from Ed Milliband and MP Greg Clark on those issues."

The youth council is consulted by KCC councillors on major issues and their views are taken into account.

Jane Sales, KCC's county youth participation co-ordinator added: "We have seen emotions on the day ranging from joy of those who got elected, to disappointment if someone didn't make it.

"This is about participation and involvement and giving young people a voice and the opportunities to influence major decisions."

The youth council has been running for eight years.