TWO north Hampshire students will be representing the UK in a youth parliament session held in the Ukraine.

Abigail Wood, from Sherborne St John, and Emily Smith, from Bramley, were in a team of 10 students from the sixth form at The Abbey School in Reading, who won the national finals of the European Youth Parliament (EYP). They will go on to represent the UK in a week-long international session in the Ukraine.

The students, both 17, spent three gruelling days at Durham University taking part in committee sessions and 14 debates on complex areas of European policy.

The girls worked tirelessly to prepare for the UK finals at which they proposed their own resolution on how the EU can ensure a safe and secure gas supply. They also had to oppose other resolutions and actively participate in debates.

Emily said winning in Durham was an amazing experience, and Abigail added: “We were stunned when we won – but it was all a consequence of our work as a team with everyone contributing incredibly.

“I am already organising a reunion with friends from all over the UK that I met in Durham and will keep in touch with my ‘EYP family’ for years to come – I look forward to expanding this circle to include students from all over Europe!”

Richard Royal, head of the EYP jury, said: “Each of the 10 applied themselves. I would like to commend the school, the students, their parents and the teaching staff for turning out 10 positive contributors.”

The international session will involve more than 270 young people and students from 34 European countries. It will involve team building, committee work and a general assembly.