ESSEX members of the Youth Parliament have received £20,000 from the Association of Essex Authorities to be spent on projects within the six Essex constituencies.

A total of £3,000 has already been set aside to cover the costs of youth parliament elections on January 26 next year, while the rest of the money will be used when required.

Epping Forest and Harlow member Ben Murphy said: "Having spent a great deal of time with young people from different parts of the constituency, I could spend all the money with extrme ease, but we have to be very cautious. I'm sure my colleagues want to get their hands on the funds as much as I do.