AN Oldbury schoolboy hopes to help tackle knife crime after being elected as one of Sandwell's new Members of the UK Youth Parliament.

Steve Nimo, aged 14, who attends Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy, triumphed in during a week-long election that saw more than 6,000 young people across the borough cast votes.

Both he and 16-year-old Mahmoud Suraj, who goes to Q3 Academy Tipton, were voted in as Youth Parliament members.

Steve said: "In taking part in this process, my main aim was to raise my confidence and this has been achieved, especially through the voting process.

"I will try my best to address the issues raised in my manifesto; better exam pass rates, free bus transport in Sandwell and reducing knife crime."

Josh Jordan, aged 12, who goes to Q3 Academy Langley and Suhana Khanum, aged 14, who goes to Stuart Bathurst Catholic High School in Wednesbury were next in the polls and have been appointed as deputy Youth Parliament Members.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, announced the winners during a special ceremony in the council chambers.

He said: "Thank you to all the young people who have been involved in this election. I've met all the candidates and they are a credit to both their families and their schools.

"I want to congratulate the two winners Steve and Mahmoud and the two deputies, Josh and Suhana, and I look forward to working with you all during your term with the UK Youth Parliament."