a hard-hitting bus advertising campaign aims to encourage young people to take an interest in their local council.

Bromsgrove District Council has teamed up with local government colleagues across Worcestershire for the advertising blitz.

Posters will be placed inside and on the back of buses throughout the county during October to promote the importance of local government to those not yet old enough to vote.

Bromsgrove District Council leader, Councillor Dennis Norton (Con-St John's), said: "Bromsgrove is anxious to encourage young people to develop a greater awareness of the role and responsibilities of their local council and the services it provides.

"Using this knowledge we hope that more young people will express their views through the ballot box," he added.

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 where young people can access information on Local Democracy Week events in Worcestershire. The posters will be on view for four weeks.

Local Democracy Week, which starts next Monday, gives local government the chance to raise its profile through specially organised activities.

This year the focus is on 'Listening to Tomorrow's Voters Today'. The campaign targets youngsters aged between 13 and 19.

The campaign has been funded jointly by Bromsgrove District Council and neighbouring local authorities.