THE Bolton Evening News's award-winning youth newspaper projects are making history with the launch of a national publication for the UKYP (United Kingdom Youth Parliament).

Pioneers at the BEN were approached to work with MYPs (Members of the Youth Parliament) to produce a youth newspaper marking the first sitting of Britain's Youth Parliament in London this month - to be distributed throughout the UK.

The UKYP was officially launched in the House of Commons in July 1999 and has the support of the Prime Minister Tony Blair, William Hague and Charles Kennedy, but is strictly non-party political.

With fewer voters going to the polls it is hoped the UKYP will have a positive effect and encourage future generations to make their mark on election days - and the newspaper will help raise awareness of the work of the UKYP.

Editor-in-chief of the Bolton Evening News Mark Rossiter said: "The first sitting of the UKYP is both exciting and important. I am delighted the BEN can play such a key role in producing its national youth newspaper.

"Those who have given up trying to attract young readers should think again. There's an intelligent and voracious audience out there ... but we have to make them feel involved and deliver material that's relevant to their lifestyle and mirrors their aspirations."

The MYPs, aged 11-18 years, worked with Special Projects Editor Angelina Lombardo, BEN reporter Alison Barton and photographer Sean Wilton to produce a youth newspaper recording the event, highlighting issues raised and possible solutions.

It is hoped the UKYP will have the power to influence - young people will at last have a recognised forum to air their views and concerns.

More than 200 MYPs voted in at election days throughout the UK attended the event at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch.

The BEN's work with youth newspapers was recognised by Newsquest's parent company Gannett, when the paper was honoured alongside USA Today in the group's innovation awards.