Sandwell’s new Members of the UK Youth Parliament have pledged to tackle issues important to them including knife crime, loneliness and traffic issues on the school run.

More than 6,000 young people across Sandwell voted during a week-long election to select two Youth Parliament Members and two Deputy Youth Parliament Members.

Steve Nimo, aged 14, who goes to Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy in Oldbury and Mahmoud Suraj, aged 16, who goes to Q3 Academy Tipton, gained the most votes and are now Sandwell's Youth Parliament Members.

Josh Jordan, aged 12, who goes to Q3 Academy Langley and Suhana Khanum, aged 14, who goes to Stuart Bathurst Catholic High School in Wednesbury were next in the polls and are appointed as deputy Youth Parliament Members. Steve Nimo gave thanks to all those who had supported him throughout this process. He said:

"In taking part in this process, my main aim was to raise my confidence and this has been achieved, especially through the voting process.

"I will try my best to address the issues raised in my manifesto; better exam pass rates, free bus transport in Sandwell and reducing knife crime."

Mahmoud Suraj accepted his position by reciting a poem he'd written. He added:

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity to pursue my dreams of making a difference. I'm truly honoured to accept this position.

"I would like to thank my worthy opponents for putting up a fair and competitive campaign and for also opening my eyes to many different and new perspectives.”

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services announced the winners during a special ceremony in the council chambers. He said: "

Thank you to all the young people who have been involved in this election. I've met all the candidates and they are a credit to both their families and their schools.

"I want to congratulate the two winners Steve and Mahmoud and the two deputies, Josh and Suhana and I look forward to working with you all during your term with the UK Youth Parliament."