More than 10,000 young people in Redbridge voted for two pupils from Woodford Green high schools to be their representatives in the UK Youth Parliament this year.

Beatrice Leong from Woodford County High School, High Road, Woodford Green and David Lester from Woodbridge School, St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, were elected as Redbridge’s MYPs (Members of the Youth Parliament) at Wanstead Youth Centre in Elmcroft Avenue last night.

The UK Youth Parliament is a national charity through which MYPs, aged 11 to 18, work with MPs, councillors and youth groups on issues of concern to young people. Beatrice said: “I am over the moon and ecstatic to say the least. I am very positive about the upcoming year and plan to succeed in delivering on all of my pledges.”

David added: “I will strive to represent what young people feel strongly about.”

47 young people were nominated as candidates and 10 stood for the youth election with 10,546 ballot papers counted – a 10 per cent increase on 2012.

Nearly a third of 11-19 year olds in the borough – 32.1 per cent – voted.

Sabah Mohammed from Woodford County High School and Jodie Bispham from Chadwell Heath Academy in Christie Gardens will act as their deputies.

Cllr Robin Turbefield, the cabinet member for leisure and youth services, congratulated the elected members and their deputies.

He said: “The fact that more than 10,000 young people voted in this election, gives me great hope for the future and shows that, far from being disengaged with the political process, young people are taking more and more of an interest.”