BUNTINGFORD student Hailey Badger has been elected to the UK Youth Parliament. Hailey, 16, from Stocking Pelham, is one of six youngsters who triumphed in recent elections, the results of which were announced at County Hall in Hertford. She said she is

BUNTINGFORD student Hailey Badger has been elected to the UK Youth Parliament.

Hailey, 16, from Stocking Pelham, is one of six youngsters who triumphed in recent elections, the results of which were announced at County Hall in Hertford.

She said she is looking forward to putting across the views of young people in Hertfordshire, focussing particularly on public transport.

"At 18 you are considered an adult and are allowed to vote, but at 14 you have to pay adult fares for train tickets. I think they should be cheaper," she said.

The elections were organised by Hertfordshire Youth Service.

Jane Pitman, Lead Member for Children's Services at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "This is an important and exciting day for young people in Hertfordshire.

"I'm enormously impressed with young people getting involved in the democratic process and today is just the beginning of a rewarding year ahead."

Hailey, who attends Hockerill Anglo European College in Bishop's Stortford, will be taking part in regional meetings and in radio and newspaper interviews during her year in office. She will also join more than 350 other MYPs from across the country at a national sitting, where they will draw up an action plan to present to the Government.