FORMER vice-chair of Wisbech Youth Council Elliott Jonson has been elected as chairman following Stuart Murat’s decision to stand down.

Stuart, 16, a pupil at Wisbech Grammar School, had been chairman for two years but decided not to stand for re-election.

Vice-chairman Elliott was duly elected and became chairman during the meeting at the Institute in Wisbech on Thursday.

Elliott, 17, a pupil at Spalding Grammar School, thanked Stuart for all his hard work. The former chairman had attended every meeting and event that Wisbech Youth Council has set up since it was formed in September 2008.

The departing chairman said: “It’s been great as we have been able to help organise three rock festivals in Wisbech, three multi-cultural festivals and have supported the Mayor of Wisbech at lots of other events.”

Stuart is studying for his A-levels and plans to become a doctor in the army once he has qualified.

The Youth Council - which is open to anyone who lives, earns or learns in Wisbech - has almost 30 members.

It continues to receive the full support of Wisbech Town Council, including the Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Farmer, who praised Stuart for his work and said he was looking forward to working with Elliot in the future.

Councillor David Oliver, the Leader of Wisbech Town Council, said: “I am very pleased that Stuart has decided to continue as a member as stepping down as Chairman.

“We will continue to hold monthly meetings at the Institute and I encourage everyone between the ages of 12 to 18 to come along and get involved.”