YOUNG people in Edgworth and Belmont are being urged to cast their votes in the 2008 Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP elections.

The 13 candidates have already started their campaigns and voting will take place from Monday, March 3, until ballot boxes close at noon on Friday, March 7.

Ballot boxes are in high schools, community centres, libraries, Blackburn College and other places where young people visit. Young people aged between 11 and 18 who live in the borough are eligible to vote.

This year's youth MP, Katherine Whittaker said: "When I was elected last year, I vowed to speak out for young people across Blackburn with Darwen who felt they did not have the same opportunities as some others. I hope I've helped to put their views forward effectively."

Last year, nearly 40 per cent of young people voted. The Blackburn with Darwen Youth Forum, which organises the annual election with support from Bolton with Darwen Council, is hoping to top that figure.