Shining light Chantel

Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date published: 22 June 2012



OLDHAM’S outgoing youth mayor has won an award for the positive impact she made during her year in office.

Chantel Birtwistle was presented with the British Youth Council’s Youth on Board award in the Making a Difference category.

The 20-year-old former North Chadderton High School pupil, a member of Oldham Youth Council and the first female Oldham Youth Mayor, recently passed the chain of office to new youth mayor Josh Payne.

The award marks the achievements of an individual young person who has made a real difference through their role in the running of an organisation or project.

It recognises the sustained effort, creativity, leadership, and teamwork of young people who have made a positive impact to the running of an organisation or project.

The British Youth Council added: “She has been a key leader within Oldham Youth Council during this time having been vice chair, chair and then Youth Mayor.

“As Youth Mayor she was a role model for all young people in Oldham, advocating on their behalf at the highest levels within Oldham, representing them at civic events and with the key decision makers in Oldham.

Chantel, who is studying for an art degree at Bolton University, said: “It’s a cliche, but I was speechless. I wasn’t aware that I had been nominated - and I probably would have disapproved of the idea of being entered for an award. I volunteer because I love it.”








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