ASSEMBLY Member Siân Gwenllian has welcomed news that a 'local girl' is to represent Arfon in a new parliament for young people.

The Arfon AM, who lives in Felin Heli, is "very pleased" that Brengain Glyn Williams, also from her village, is the new Arfon representative in the new Youth Parliament in Wales,

Last week, 60 youngsters were elected to represent the youth of Wales in the new parliament.

Brengain, was one of hundreds of people, aged between 11 and 18, who stood as a candidates. Other youngsters then voted for their favourite candidate based on a personal manifesto.

The Year 11 pupil, at Ysgol Tryfan, had campaigned to expand the use of Welsh in society, the inclusion of Welsh History on the curriculum and free travel passes for young people.

Siân Gwenllian said: "I’m very pleased that a local girl from my village has been elected to the Parliament.

"I’m looking forward to working with her over the next two years to develop a greater understanding of the issues that are important to young people, the challenges they face, and the matters they would like to see becoming policy in the Assembly in Cardiff.

The Plaid Cymru politician added: “In the next election in 2021, young people aged 16 and 17, will be able to vote for the first time, so having a Youth Parliament with representation from all parts of Wales is a key step in developing young people’s interest in and awareness of politics."

Brengain Glyn Williams said: “I’m really looking forward to discussing all kinds of important issues with my co-members. We will be having area meetings in January, then meeting as a full Parliament in Cardiff – it’s all very exciting!

“Once I heard that there was such a thing as a Youth Parliament for Wales and that you could stand and be part of it, I knew straight away that I wanted to try. I didn’t expect to win!

She added: "I’m very grateful to all those who voted for me, and for the support of family and friends. I’m looking forward now to getting started!”