EIGHT young people from Torbay have taken part in a Parliamentary debate in the House of Lords.

The youngsters were taken by Torbay Council's youth service to London to take part in Shine Week, a national festival celebrating young people's talent.

The debaters were either active members of the Torbay Youth Parliament, the Youth Cabinet or chosen because they show an aptitude in politics and interest in the process of government.

The students and trainees, aged between 13 and 17, were Ahmed Elhoudiri, Laura Peacock, Alistair Harrison, Nick Bonstow, Michelle Bullock, Sheralyn Bullock, Alexandra Wright and Michele Adams.

They debated topics such as talent versus celebrity and perceptions of young people in the media.

Torbay's Youth Parliament member, Daniel Olaiya, attended as the South West media representative responsible for communicating with the national media.

Ahmed Elhoudiri, shadow member of Torbay Youth Parliament, said: "I feel privileged to have had this opportunity.

"Having the chance to debate the issues affecting young people in front of the lord speaker in the House of Lords and knowing that this was only the third time ever that members of the community have been invited into the House of Lords made this an experience I will never forget."

Torbay Council children's councillor Anna Tolchard said: "The project was an excellent opportunity for them to find out about the processes of democracy and share their experiences with their peers in the Bay."