THE Youth Parliament member for Coventry spent a day in Wyre Forest in a bid to highlight the importance of engaging young people in politics.

Daniel McKenzie, 17, visited youth services, met politicians and viewed the flood defences at Bewdley during his day, hosted by Worcestershire Youth Cabinet member for Wyre Forest Craig Bateman.

Daniel also hoped to learn from youth provision in Wyre Forest and see if he could take home any ideas to Coventry.

King Charles I School pupil Craig, 17, said: "As a Member of Worcestershire Youth Cabinet for Wyre Forest, I feel that national youth voice collaboration is important in ensuring that young people are at the heart of not only local or regional, but national policies too.

"I feel that the day was a huge success, very much because of the enthusiasm shown by those who got involved towards promoting youth democracy throughout the district."

During the tour, the pair stopped by at Kidderminster Town Hall, Kidderminster and District Youth Trust, Bewdley Youth Cafe and Bewdley Guildhall.

They also visited the flood defences in Bewdley to see how the recent heavy rainfall had affected the town.

Daniel added: "From watching the news, it's really made me realise how lucky I am to live in an urban area away from a river. To see so many people losing their homes and livelihoods just makes me determined to go and help them in the future. I’m not one to sit in an office, I can’t let something happen."

Daniel said, given the opportunity, he would invest more in flood defences and the Environment Agency.

He added: "I don’t think we appreciate what they and the emergency services are doing in a time of crisis.

"Superintendent Kevin Purcell [of West Mercia Police] said how local people came out and supported them in Bewdley. That’s something that’s lacking in urban areas."