YOUNG people will be given a voice on Bolton Council, says cabinet minister Ruth Kelly's protege, Emma Scowcroft, who won the Crompton ward for Labour from the Liberal Democrats.

Emma, aged 25, has a degree in politics and has worked as Ms Kelly's personal assistant for three years. Her delighted boss was at the count to see her gain the seat.

"She is going to be a fantastic councillor. She has worked really hard and is committed to the future of Crompton," said Ms Kelly.

Emma, who lives with her family in Bromley Cross, said she was looking forward to representing Crompton and, as the youngest councillor in Bolton, is hoping she can be a role model to get more younger people interested in politics.

"I want young people to realise it is a very, very positive thing to get involved with," she said.

Emma says she became interested in politics at the age of 14, caught up in the wave of enthusiasm for Labour's 1997 General Election victory.

"I just got the bug," she said, adding that working in Ms Kelly's office helped cement her belief in politics.

She praised Ms Kelly as "the perfect role model" but was modest about the possibility of one day reaching such heights. "One step at a time," she said.