ONE hundred and thirty children from across the borough joined in a conference to discuss how they could play their part in Bolton’s plans for the future.

The second annual Youth Vision Conference, at the Albert Halls on July 4, was centred on the theme of ‘being connected’.

And children from 34 schools completed a series of missions, including an ‘Apprentice’ style challenge.

Groups of budding entrepreneurs pitched projects to a panel of how they could connect better with their community.

Ideas included helping older people to use digital technology, organising school litter picks, and asking local businesses to come into school to talk about jobs.

Chair of the vision partnership, Dave Singleton, said: “The event was tremendous and showed that young people matter. Young people have a certain insight that is not tainted. Vision 2030 is a vision for every person in Bolton.”

Hafsah Patel, aged nine, of Sunning Hill, said: “I liked having my voice heard.”