For the first time, two students from The Ongar Academy have bagged seats on Epping Forest Youth Council.

Sara Chiac and James Naybour outdid themselves in their applications and were successfully selected. The council is a faction of the district authority and mirrors the concerns of local youths.

Composed of 25 members elected from different schools, the duo will voice out their projections over the next two years. Regular attendance at the Civic Offices in Epping will see these students utilising research to blueprint and further youth-oriented projects.

The four-point plan of the youth council aims to amplify young voices in the community, ensure safety and improve living conditions in Epping Forest, boost youngsters' health and wellbeing, and raise pressing issues.

Assistant headteacher Neil Wilcox said: "I am very proud that these two young people for putting themselves forward for this role. 

"Not only will they help to make the lives of young people in the area better, it will also help them to develop as well rounded, helpful young people. 

"They are both a huge credit to The Ongar Academy and I know they will represent us with integrity and pride.

"The Ongar Academy is hugely proud of these two students - their representation as we look forward to seeing and hearing about all of the amazing things they achieve."