BODY image and self-esteem were among the issues raised at a young people’s event.

Kirklees Youth Council organised a health fair to make youngsters more aware of the services available to them.

The event – at Brian Jackson House – was part of the group’s health campaign.

Dozens of young people took part in the information day which included fitness training, smoothie making and beauty treatments.

There were also stalls by agencies including the eating disorder charity Beat, NHS Stop Smoking, drugs and alcohol service Lifeline Kirklees and the Samaritans. There was also advice on sexual health, education, employment and training.

Youth worker Tracy Heaney, who helps run the Youth Council, said: “A lot of young people are not aware of the services available to them.

“The youth council wanted to promote these and organised the whole event themselves.

“I think it is really important for young people to get involved in something like this. At the end of the day, it is their lives and it is good to give them the opportunity to be involved in the services they want.”

A total of 32 Kirklees youngsters were elected on to the youth council last October, covering seven different localities. The representatives meet every three weeks within their own areas.

The full council then meets in the Town Hall’s Council Chambers every eight weeks to discuss a variety of issues affecting them.

The council is made up of young people aged 11 to 19 – or up to age 25 with disabilities.

Health, staying safe, the environment and leisure activities are among some of the main issues they focus on.

A health questionnaire was devised and sent out to Kirklees schools by council members earlier this year.

The response unveiled concerns surrounding body image and mental health, prompting the youngsters to organise a health fair.

They were responsible for every aspect of the day from booking a venue and arranging exhibitors to applying for funding and decorating the hall.

Youth council member Saffron Mir, 15, enjoyed the day.

The Batley Girls High School pupil said: “It has been a good day and I have learned a lot of organisational skills, because we had to do everything ourselves.

“It really showed us how much work goes into organising something like this.

“It has been great to get involved in the youth council.”