A WIDNES student has unexpectedly become Halton’s new member of the UK Youth Parliament.

Reanna Johnson, aged 16, from Hough Green, was runner up in the recent election after receiving 800 votes from young people aged 11 to 18.

The winner, 15-year-old Wade Deacon schoolgirl Rhiannon Moss, has declined to take up the post due to her exam commitments.

Reanna said she is looking forward to the new challenge.

She is studying child care at Cronton Sixth Form College and hopes to go to university and become a primary school teacher.

She said: “I am looking forward to speaking up for people in the community and getting young peoples’ voices heard.”

She has been involved in guiding for 12 years, as a rainbow, brownie and guide. She is now training to be a leader with 9th All Saints rainbows.

She is also a member of the army cadets.

Reanna added: “I would like to raise awareness about the cadets, guides and scouts across the borough who are doing brilliant things.

“I want to show everyone that there is a good side to young people which is different to the stereotype often portrayed.”

She says she loves meeting people and tackling goals.

Reanna added: “I like the independent challenge with guiding, working towards badges.

“Being in the army cadets has given me a lot of confidence. We go shooting and camping and work together as a team. I have made lots of friends.

“I want to get more people involved in these youth organisations.”