REPRESENTATIVES from Redditch Council and Worcestershire County Council are to face a grilling from Redditch's youth at a forum next week.

Students from Arrow Vale, St Augustine's and Trinity high schools and Kingsley College along with Redditch Youth Service have been invited to line up and have their say at the town hall on December 5.

The session will be based on Radio 4's Any Questions and will mark the end of Local Democracy Year.

After brief presentations about both authorities, there will be a structured question and answer session followed by off-the-cuff quizzing from the floor. The event runs from 1-3pm.

Redditch councillor Juliet Brunner, event organiser, said: "We've got a great mix of councillors from both authorities and across the political spectrum coming along.

"This is their opportunity to give young people direct feedback on issues the young people feel are important.

"We also want to demystify the whole local government process. We're really looking forward to it, even if the young people do give us a rough ride."

Councillors due to attend the event along with Mrs Brunner include Carole Gandy, Nigel Hicks, council leader and county councillor Phil Mould, Mayor Diane Thomas and county councillor Phillip Gretton.

Local Democracy Year events are designed to re-engage councillors with their electorate. Recent Local Democracy campaigns have focused specifically on young people. For more details, call Mrs Brunner on 07990 733054 or 451465.