YOUNG people in Trafford were this week urged to play their part in the choosing how local schools, hospitals and transport are run.

A total of 5,591 18 year olds could be voting for the first time today (Thursday) in the borough's local elections.

But in recent years the number of young people voting has been very low.

In the 2001 general election, MORI estimated that only 39 per cent of 18-24 year olds voted. And turnout in local elections is usually even lower.

Nicole Smith, director of policy at the Electoral Commission said: "Recent months have seen thousands of young people take to the streets to make a stand on issues that affect them, so we know that they feel strongly about political and social issues.

"Local elections decide how things such as schools, hospitals and transport will be run - all of which affect young people.

"They have a real part to play in shaping their community."