A BUS stopped off at Redditch Town Hall last week as part of a campaign targeting young people.

Posters are being put up inside and on the back of buses to stress the importance of local government as part of Local Democracy Week (LDW) 2003, which runs from October 13-19.

Worcestershire's seven local authorities have funded the campaign.

A Redditch Council spokesman said: "Headed 'NOT 4 U?' under pictures of young people enjoying council-related activities, the posters are aimed at making young people think about what local authorities mean to them.

"They also advertise a joint website page at www.worcestershire.gov.uk where young people can access information on LDW events in the county."

LDW helps local government raise its profile through activities and the focus this year is 'Listening to Tomorrow's Voters Today', targeting 13 to 19 year olds.

The spokesman added: "Redditch Council hopes to encourage young people to develop a greater awareness of the role and responsibilities of councillors and get more involved in council activities through a number of initiatives."

Events include a photography exhibition in which pupils have been invited to take a photograph of what they think the council represents to them and how it affects their lives, which will be displayed at the town hall during LDW.

The council's youngest councillor, Arjamand Farooqui, will choose a winner and prizes will be awarded.

And the student council has produced an LDW newsletter which will be circulated to young people in the town.