THE NEW Leeds Children’s Mayor has been announced.

Wania Ahmad from Harehills Primary School was welcomed to her new role by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor, at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, October 1.

A total of 48 schools submitted mayoral candidates this year with Wania and 11 others - including Gracie Hodge from Westgate Primary School, Otley - making the shortlist. Local children and young people were then asked to vote for their favourite.

All of the finalists had been asked to write a manifesto which included a proposal on how to improve the lives of young people in the area.

Wania’s plan featured an idea called Chill and Chat which aims to support the mental health and wellbeing of pupils. She said: “I feel very proud to represent the children of Leeds and I’d really like to thank all the people who have supported me and all the children who voted for me.”