Marouf makes it as town's youth mayor

NEW mayor . . . Outgoing Youth Mayor T Jay Turner hands over the chain of office to new Mayor Marouf Ahmed

DETERMINATION has paid off for an engineering student who has become Oldham's eighth Youth Mayor.

Marouf Ahmed, who lives in Coppice with his parents and siblings, was sworn into the role after being presented with the chains of office from outgoing mayor T Jay Turner.

He said: "It is a great honour to have been chosen to be Youth Mayor of Oldham.

"I would never have thought I would get this role when I joined the Youth Council many years ago but I did not give up. I was determined and it all paid off.

"I hope to be a good role model for the young people of Oldham, especially to those in the BME communities.

"I am very passionate about Oldham and I hope this journey of meeting new communities -and exploring the wider areas of Oldham will add to the love that I already have for my borough."

Marouf went to school at Hathershaw College and Oldham Sixth Form College. He is now studying mechanical engineering at the University of Liverpool.

He joined Oldham Youth Council four years ago and has served as the Member of Youth Parliament for Oldham.

During his time as a youth councillor Marouf has taken on several roles and opportunities that have enabled him to represent Oldham's young people locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Marouf is also a football coach for Coppice Rangers and enjoys sharing his love of football ?with children in the local area.

T Jay said: "Being Youth Mayor has been an amazing opportunity and I have felt honoured to represent the young people of Oldham for the past year

"It has given me the opportunity to meet so many of Oldham's wonderful community groups and to see the great work that happens across our wonderful town.

"It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside the former mayor Councillor Derek Heffernan and his wife.

"I wish Marouf the best of luck in his year as Youth Mayor. I am sure he will have an amazing time and will be a credit to Oldham."

Councillor Jean Stretton, leader of Oldham Council, said: "It is crucial that young people have their voices heard and in Oldham we are committed to this.

"I am looking forward to working with Marouf and I'm sure he will do Oldham and our young people proud."