MORE than 120 young people from across the IW gathered at Cowes Yacht Haven to discuss the Island's future.

Young Islanders provided the IW Council with an insight into their hopes and aspirations at the authority's Regeneration Youth Conference.

They were asked to redesign, redevelop or regenerate a key Island site, including Sandown seafront, Newport Harbour, Newport town centre and Ryde Esplanade.

Senior councillors and council leaders were on hand to answer questions from the teams.

Fifteen-year-old Megan Turner, from the Island Free School, said: "It was a really great opportunity to work with others and to think about the possibilities for the Island's future.

“I really enjoyed making a regeneration plan for Ryde Esplanade."

Business leaders including Rob Kettlety of Windward Engineering, Rookley, and Mark Jackson, of Cowes call centre firm Ascensos, took part in a question and answer session.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, UKSA and youth MP Joe Davies spoke about Island life and sustainability, while Sandown company, Artecology, gave a presentation about how buildings and offices could be inspired by the natural world.

Council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, said: “I was really impressed to see so many young people from across the Island.

“I thought there were some brilliant ideas which we can take forward.”