A PARTNERSHIP that includes West Somerset District Council has commissioned a CD encouraging young people to vote.

Called 'X-Press Yourself', the CD contains tracks from young Somerset bands together with messages about the importance of voting and of getting views across.

The idea came from a partnership between Somerset County Council and the five district councils and was highlighted as one of the best ideas in this year's Local Democracy campaign.

Among those at the launch was West Somerset district Cllr Sally de Renzy-Martin, who said: "More people voted for Big Brother than in the General Election this year. This speaks volumes about the current interest in the democratic process, especially among young people.

"Perhaps naturally, many young people perceive that politics is for the 'wrinklies' and has little to do with them.

"Hopefully, the X-Press Yourself CD will persuade them that their vote is important and can make a difference in West Somerset and countywide."

Somerset young people may vote for their favourite band on the CD by going to http://www.somerset.gov">www.somerset.gov. uk/x-press or using a voting slip. The winning band will have the chance to perform in front of a large audience next year.

The CDs are currently being despatched to all 16 and 17-year-olds throughout Somerset via schools, colleges, libraries and council offices. Voting will be open until mid December.

Pictured are students from Heathfield School, Taunton, with Somerset County Council chairman Robin Bush and Cllr de Renzy Martin.