Breckland Council is launching a new youth council which will provide a platform to influence decisions that affect young people and the whole community.

A report by councillors has highlighted the need to improve contact and involvement with young people and, even though the project is still in the early stages of planning, many ideas are being considered.

The new youth council is aimed at young people, aged 11 to 19, living in Breckland.

One of the driving forces behind the project is Diana Irving, the district council's Young People's Champion.

She said: "The youth council is great news for the area.

"Not only will participants gain a rich experience of how decisions are made, but they will also have a very real opportunity to represent the views of young people in Breckland.

"Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects is that members of the youth council will be able to see their ideas and influence put into action."

Kay Fisher, Breckland's executive member for governance, saw it as "an exciting development".

She said: "It's important to engage with young people, to consider their opinions and to involve them in the democratic process.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for young people to shine within their community and we will wholeheartedly support them."