A STUDENT from Basingstoke is standing for election for Hampshire Youth Parliament.

Gabriel Llewellyn-Hyde, 14, is a student in Year 10 at Brighton Hill Community School, and participates in a wide range of after-school activities from sports, crafts and languages to the debating club.

Gabriel is also a keen Scout and is an active member of Pafupi Explorers. He has recently received his Chief Scout Gold award from the mayor, Cllr David Leeks, and is starting his bronze Duke of Edinburgh award at school.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Gabriel Llewellyn-HydeGabriel Llewellyn-Hyde (Image: David Llewellyn-Hyde, Canva)

He found out about the Hampshire Youth Parliament from school, which has previously had candidates standing for election.

Gabriel said: "As a young person myself, I realise the issues that can relate to young people and believe in changing the negatives to positives by making our society more inclusive. I promise to be open to decisions from the public and do my best to act on these issues. 

"I'm keen to make a difference and want to help others. I'm also passionate about supporting and helping people who have speech issues, something I have overcome myself, and promoting a greater awareness of speech problems in the wider community."

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Anyone aged between 11-18 is eligible to vote for their representative in Hampshire Youth Parliament.

Gabriel is a candidate for the North West constituency. To register and vote, go to vote.hampshireyp.org. To register and vote is free.

The vote closes on Tuesday, December 5.