Budding politicians have been getting tips from the professionals, in a bid to launch their careers.

Reece Fox, and Nathan Sinclair, both 15, are hoping to represent north Oxfordshire in the UK Youth Parliament.

And to launch their campaigns, the pair, both pupils at The Cooper School, in Bicester, met Conservative Party leader and Witney MP David Cameron and Banbury MP Tony Baldry.

Reece, of Villiers Road, Bicester, is seeking election as Young MP (YMP) for North Oxfordshire and Nathan, of Oak Close, is running for deputy MP.

The pair, who are both in Year 10 at the school in Churchill Road, discussed ideas and shared the views of young people in the area and explained why they were keen to get involved with the Youth Parliament.

Reece said: "Both MPs were really pleased to meet us and talk about youth issues. Mr Baldry will be helping us with our campaign and he gave lots of advice about posters and campaigning.

"The problem with Bicester is that there isn't much for youngsters to do. A lot of my friends have spoken about having a nightclub built for young people.

"Public transport to Oxford also needs to be cheaper for pupils, because they end up spending a whole week's worth of pocket money getting there and back."

The candidates will now tour schools and youth centres to explain their manifestos.

Reece added: "This is something for the younger gen- eration. The more youngsters that hear about this, the better."

The UK Youth Parliament was set up in 1999 and allows young people aged between 11 and 18 to stand for election and represent young people's views.

Oxfordshire is entitled to three Young MPs - representing the north and south of the county and Oxford.

The scheme has not been running in the county for a number of years, and there are currently no YMPs for Oxfordshire.

The programme has been revived in the north of the county by youth worker Emily Little, of the Courtyard Youth Arts Centre, in Bicester.

She said: "Those elected talk to young people in their areas and find out what things are on their minds and what views and ideas they have."

All the manifestos of Oxfordshire candidates for seats in the Youth Parliament will be available online at Oxfordshire County Council's youth website www.spired.com Young people will be able to vote for their favourite candidates and the elected YMP will then represent their area for a year. The elections will take place next January.