Teens to run council's social media for the day

Sarah, Harun and Florence are part of the team participating in the social media takeover

Members of a youth group will run the social media accounts of a local council for a day.

Northampton's Youth Forum will post off West Northamptonshire Council's platforms as part of International Youth Day.

It is a day that aims to draw attention to both legal and cultural issues impacting younger generations.

Sarah, 17, one of those involved in the social media takeover, said the group had made some TikToks to "raise awareness" on issues including judging people by their ethnicity and age.

West Northamptonshire Council's communication's team will support the forum with its posts

First recognised in 2000, International Youth Day is organised by the United Nations to celebrate the contribution young people make in education, employment, conflict resolution and social justice.

Florence, 17, another participant, said being involved with the project had "made [me] a lot more aware of how words can impact people".

Harun, 18, added: "This generation are on social media... so having this [opportunity] to challenge stereotypes is amazing."

Northampton Youth Forum is the town's youth council, made up of representatives aged between 13 and 19.

The forum speaks up for, and on behalf of, young people in the town and takes an active part in decision-making.