A THIRTEEN-year-old student has made her mark after winning a competition to be mayor for the day.

The competition, which was open to people aged 11 to 19, was launched by Wigan Council as part of Local Democracy Week to teach them about the democratic process.

Bedford high pupil Megan Lawrence from Leigh was the winner and shadowed mayor and mayoress, Cllr Bill Clarke and his wife Joan on Wednesday.

She said: “It has been really eye-opening to see what the mayor and mayoress do.

“I think it’s really important that people come together as a community like they do in Wigan Borough. I would definitely recommend the experience and will be looking even more into a career in politics.”

After being picked up from school in the mayoral car, Megan watched a dance club at Skils CIC in Hindley, visited Chapter One Tea Rooms in Hindley Library and attended Standish Music Festival - all before trying on the mayoral robes and lunching with the mayor and mayoress.

Mayor, Cllr Bill Clarke added: “It’s so important that we encourage young people to be involved in politics and teach them about the democratic process as they are ultimately our future. Megan’s entry to the competition was extremely interesting to read and her passion about democracy and giving young people the opportunity to vote really shone through. The competition is a great way to incentivise young people to find out more and I hope Megan has enjoyed the experience as much as I have.”

For more information visit wigan.gov.uk/LINC2