THE Young Mayor of Barnsley has been officially sworn in ahead of her year in office.

Year nine Barnsley Academy student Kaitlyn Walker has been elected by her peers for her new role.

She will promote the youth voice of Barnsley and campaign on key issues impacting that are impacting young people.

She has previously held positions as a youth councillor and a member of Youth Parliament - and she has ambitions to study law at the University of Cambridge.

Kaitlyn said: “I have always been interested in politics and determined to have a positive impact on the people and places around me so I am absolutely elated to have been elected as Young Mayor.

“I was inspired to run for the position as it’s a way for me to help the young people of Barnsley and contribute to the future of my local area.

“I’m really looking forward to immersing myself in this role over the year ahead and doing what I can to effectively represent and support my peers.”

Naveed Khan, principal at Barnsley Academy, added: “We are all so pleased with Kaitlyn’s prestigious appointment as Young Mayor of Barnsley.

“Alongside being an exceptional student, Kaitlyn is absolutely committed to making a positive difference in our local community.

“She continues to inspire and impress us all at the academy with her enduring dedication, both to her academic learning and to her wider extracurricular activities.

“I have no doubt that she will make a truly excellent Young Mayor.”