YOUNG people from the borough have welcomed the announcement of a free travel pass.

The "Opportunity Pass" was unveiled by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as part of the region this week will be launched in September on a trial basis.

It will offer 16-18 year-olds free bus travel in the region and reduced cost or free access to lots of cultural and sporting venues.

Mr Burnham said: "We will now ask our Youth Combined Authority to help us build the Opportunity Pass so that we empower our young people to get the support that they feel they need to make their way in the world."

Anthony Pasquille, 15, from Leigh, and Charlie Seddon, 17, from Orrell, are part of Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet and have been representing young people from the borough.

They do that at the Greater Manchester Youth Combined Authority (GMYCA), which helps to shape regional policies for young people.

Charlie said: "The Opportunity Pass is going to make things better for 16-18 year olds.

"At the moment we have to pay full adult fares when we’re not travelling for college but lots of us aren’t earning money yet.

"It shows the work we’ve done at the GMYCA has been listened to."

Anthony added: "It will give young people more access to different experiences and might encourage people to travel to different areas of Greater Manchester too.

"I think it’s very positive and I’m glad we’re accomplishing things as we’ve put a lot of work into being part of the GMYCA."

Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet is run by Wigan Council and offers young people the chance to influence local, regional and national decisions that affect their age group.

If you are aged between 11 and 18 and are interested in getting involved email tyssweb@wigan.gov.uk.