A TEENAGER has been recognised for his contribution as a Youth Parliament member for Basingstoke.

Eighteen-year-old Benjamin Farnes received a Youth on Board award after representing Basingstoke, Winchester and Eastleigh from 2011-13.

Benjamin was also recognised for his work as a youth governor for the Hampshire NHS Trust, as well as his involvement in the UK Parliament’s National Transport select committee.

The Youth Parliament provides opportunities for 11-18 year-olds across the country to use their voice to help bring about social change.

Benjamin won the award under the Making a Difference category which marks the achievements made by a young individual through running an organisation or project. The youth-led scheme rewards innovative and exciting youth participation.

Councillor Peter Edgar, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for education, said: “I am always impressed by the work delivered by Hampshire’s Young MPs. It is essential that young people have a voice in Parliament in order to share the views of their peers and initiate positive local change for young people.

“The presentation of this award to Benjamin recognises the significant impact our Young MPs have on their local community and the important work they do both to support existing services for young people, and to initiate new campaigns which directly respond to the needs of Hampshire’s youth both in educational and social environments.”