BOLTON has decided upon its new Youth MPs for 2010 — and they are pledging to get things done.

Lauren Webb and Asim Iqbal were the successful candidates after the count at Bolton Town Hall on Wednesday night.

The pair collectively received more than half of the 11,000 votes cast over the last month.

Lauren, who is 15 and lives in Little Lever, was the clear winner with 3,537 votes.

The Little Lever High School pupil said: “I’m shocked, happy and feeling a whole range of emotions.

“I’m looking forward to making a difference to the way young people are seen and bridging the gap between us and older people.

“Public transport is getting expensive, so I’d like to see what I can do about that, and the environment is important. We need young people involved. I’ll do as much as I can.”

Joining her for the year is Asim Iqbal, aged 17, of Astley Bridge, who received 2,061 votes.

The Bury College student said: “It’s good to be elected. I’m glad because it gives me the chance to give something back. I’ll get as many things done that need doing as I can.

Anything thrown at me is going to be completed.”

The pair will learn about the needs and concerns of young people in the borough, and at a national level too. They will lobby Parliament as part of the national UK Youth Parliament group and sit on the Bolton Children’s Trust.

Youth MPs are apolitical, with the UK Youth Parliament being an independent group.

Last year’s Youth MPs, Wangu Chafuwa and Christie Fisher, took part in an historic debate in the Commons, the first time non-MPs have sat in the House.

They also represented the town at a GMPTE Youth Forum and helped Bolton Cash Panel distribute £350,000 to youth groups.

They now become deputy Youth MPs and have some advice for their successors.

Wangu, aged 14, from Sharples, who is a pupil at Thornleigh Salesian College, said: “Throw yourself into it and meet as many people as possible.”

Bury College student Christie, aged 18, of Little Lever, said: “Lauren and Asim going to be great, they’ll work together like us and keep each other sane. They’ve got some good ideas and are very committed.”