Nick Smith MP and Alun Davies AM encouraged the next generation of voters to take part in democracy as part of a college event.

The pair teamed up with campaigning group Hope not Hate to run a voter registration stall at the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone.

During the visit they had the chance to talk to youngsters about how important politics was to their everyday lives, while encouraging those who hadn’t yet registered to sign up.

Alun Davies AM said: “It was great to see so many people signing up at the event as I’m shocked at how many people are no longer on the register.

“As we walk up and down streets in different parts of the borough there’s always a number of houses where no-one is registered to vote. This is a democratic disaster.

“It’s so important that people register and have their say on how our country is run and I encourage everyone to take part and share their views.”

Kirsty Wall, 23, from Brynithel, was one of the students who signed up on the day.

Kirsty said: “It’s important for our future. You get to choose who will benefit you the most.

“We want careers and families in future, and we get to shape that future by voting.”

Nick Smith MP added: “Voting is one of the bedrocks of our society. It gives people a voice on the most fundamental decisions over how we build our lives.

“The youngsters I spoke to today cared about everything from jobs to transport and education.

“By signing up to vote, it means they get a chance to shape the world they want to see in all these areas and more.

“It was great to work together with Alun, Hope Not Hate and Coleg Gwent to get more people involved in politics.”

To register to vote in five minutes, visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote