DOZENS of young people in Southampton turned the tables on government officials and civic leaders when they took part in a special conference to promote and increase their involvement in the democratic process in the city.

The event - dubbed Youth Inc - was staged at St Mary's Stadium and was organised to help give young people become more involved in decisions that affect the future of the city.

Event organiser Mike Banks from the city's Youth Service said: "The service is working on a number of initiatives that aim to give young people more of a voice in Southampton. As well as developing Hype - the magazine for and by young people - we are introducing a new Internet service."