Last years Lewisham Young Mayor Emmanuel Olaniyan  Pic: Live Vision

The race is on for the next Young Mayor of Lewisham as 28 candidates campaign to become the voice of the borough’s youth.

The winning candidate will be responsible for a budget of £30,000 that can be spent on services dedicated to the younger generation, and will also assist Mayor Sir Steve Bullock on youth-related issues.

The results will be announced on Thursday 16 October at a special ceremony in the Civic Suite, Catford.

The competition, now in its eleventh year, is the longest running Young Mayor’s programme nationally, and has received close to 10,000 votes in previous elections.

Last year’s victorious candidate was 15-year-old Emmanuel Olaniyan. He won after a landslide victory with a record 3,687 votes, over 40% of the 9,400 counted.

So-called ‘young advisers,’ members of the local community and youth groups, will support the Young Mayor in their role, while the candidate coming in second place will be awarded the role of Deputy Young Mayor. Third and fourth place candidates will have the opportunity to represent Lewisham in the UK Youth Parliament.

All those aged between eleven and seventeen who live or study in Lewisham are being encouraged to vote. Polling stations will be erected at schools and colleges.

Take a look at the candidates below, and click here to watch their candidate videos.