AN ANDOVER pupil has been successful in his bid to win a seat in the UK Youth Parliament.

Dmitrijs Meiksans, who studies at Harrow Way Community School, stood for election and following a successful campaign with over 1,000 votes cast by young people for the contested seat, is now the elected MYP (Member of the Youth Parliament) for North West Hampshire.

Year 8 pupil Dmitrijs is passionate in his aim to empower young people, particularly helping those experiencing mental health conditions.

Outlining what will be his focus as a MYP, he said: “With 20 per cent of adolescents experiencing mental health problems each year, we really need to start working on this issue.

“No child should face this alone, so we must concentrate on this, and we must do it from today.

“As a young person myself, I believe that young people should be in the best possible condition, both physically and mentally and we can start helping with this in schools and in lessons, such as PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education). Mental health is a common issue and as a society we have the responsibility to understand that this is an issue.”

Dmitrijs has already demonstrated his commitment to the interests of young people having written and published a book last year. The short story called Lonely addresses the issue of bullying, encouraging anyone being bullied to speak up.

Headteacher Michael Serridge said: “We are very proud of Dmitrijs and his genuine concern and determination to make things better for young people.

“As well as being voted on to the Youth Parliament and writing a novel he has served on the student council, is a school sports leader and organised Harrow Way’s representation in the annual BBC School Report.”

Six seats were up for election in Hampshire with secondary school and colleges invited to take part. During the month-long voting process, 4,367 ballots were cast across all districts.