The council has enjoyed huge success since forming in 2007, with many of the town's young people now having a direct say on the issues affecting them.

Chairman Joshua Shuardson-Hipkin (18), along with several other members, will be leaving the council in September to start university studies but he believes the authority will continue to flourish as it is now well established.

He told the Lynn News: "There was not much of a youth voice in the town, just the town council and we felt they were a bit out of touch with the young people.

"We thought we would set up our own and work with the town council.

"It is great to see the amount of people who have come out of the woodwork. You think: Does anyone actually care. But people have come in from all walks of life and everyone has been getting involved.

"It is making such a difference and it is so rewarding. It is hard work, especially for those doing A levels but it is definitely worth doing, it is fantastic."

The council organised a successful cultural music and acoustic guitar festival earlier this year and is now putting the finishing touches to a Shakespeare festival which is due to be held in July.

Plans are also progressing with a scheme to develop the basement area of the town hall to create an area where young people can congregate.

Joshua, of Homefields Road, is now coming to the end of his gap year and is due to study law at the University of Reading from September.

When he leaves he hopes to see the youth council continue and be run along the same lines as the town council.

Elections are due to be held at the September meeting, when a new chairman will be appointed and the new-look council starts to take shape.

The council is open to youngsters aged between 13 and 18.

Anyone interested in joining, or would like to support the work of the council, should contact Joshua via email at jhipkin21@hotmail.com