"For the youth, by the youth."

That is the message from the three Kenilworth teenagers leading the new Kenilworth Youth Council (KYC).

Launched as a pilot with Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils, the new youth council is taking the mantle for young people across the area as it looks to make a real difference to the lives of children and teenagers in Kenilworth.

KYC was formed earlier this year and is now headed by chair, Luke Franklin-Smith, vice chair, Lily Thomas and secretary, Skye Tenpenny.

The group has already had its first two meetings with its 12 youth councillors, who range from ages 11 to 18.

And while KYC is just getting off the ground, it has big plans to make real change across Kenilworth.

"I know other youth councils haven't worked in other places, but I'm pretty confident that this one could work," Luke told Nub News.

"I think we have a bunch of enthusiastic people.

"And I think as it goes on, we can definitely build on that.

"Especially as we've got several ideas; we just need to focus on a few."

At its first meeting, the group elected the leadership positions and has since been busy setting up social media pages, thinking of ideas for potential projects - including the possibility of bringing Lime Bikes to town - and looking at ways to reach out to the young people of Kenilworth.

Having attended the Kenilworth Youth Market last weekend, KYC has also launched a survey calling on under 18s to tell them what they would like to see changed, and what they would bring to Kenilworth if they could.

"It will tell us what they're currently doing in Kenilworth, what they think Kenilworth needs more, [what] young people in Kenilworth need more education on, what they'd like to see more of," Skye explained.

"And hopefully that will give us a really good idea for projects and things, because we just want to do something that can best benefit the young people in Kenilworth, because there's a lot of them, and obviously they're the next generation, so it's important that they have a say in shaping their town and things like that."

While the survey is underway, the trio said informal conversations with friends and youngsters had revealed a few broad areas for focus - including activities for under 18s.

Luke explained: "I definitely think that's the main issue for the youth in Kenilworth.

"If you speak to anyone, every single time, what the youth say is 'things to do'.

"Now, that is quite a broad subject, so I think the survey will help.

"What sort of things do you want to do? Do you want places to hang out? Do you want places to do stuff?

"And if we can get those opinions, then I think we should go from there."

The council has already been meeting with its adult counterparts at Kenilworth Town Council, attending civic events and meeting people across the town as it looks to hit the ground running.

And while it is in its early stages, the group said it was pleased with what has already been achieved.

Lily explained: "It's also very rewarding as well.

"Especially when we can start to see the difference that we've made in Kenilworth and we can say 'we helped to do that'.

"Even putting posters up around school and people coming up to us [to talk] it's really rewarding.

"It made me feel quite proud."

Eleven of the 12 members of the council attend Kenilworth School, and all of them had to apply for their positions.

The council was actually oversubscribed, with applications considered by the clerk and deputy clerk of Kenilworth Town Council, which is backing the project.

Explaining why she wanted to sign up, Lily continued: "I've always lived in Kenilworth.

"I really care about our community.

"And I really wanted to make a difference for young people in Kenilworth and also create opportunities for them."

While the group is looking to fix problems and create opportunities for youngsters across Kenilworth, they also stressed the positives about the town.

Luke explained it is a safe place to live, joking this may be "despite what Kenilworth Vibes might say," meanwhile Lily and Skye spoke about the number of green spaces available.

And as the summer holidays get underway, and the group looks to hear more from across the younger age group, KYC is calling on as many young people as possible to engage and share their views.

Luke said: "I would say speak to us - we've got several social media platforms.

"We've got Instagram, TikTok, and the council Facebook, just drop us a DM, tell us what you want to see.

"We'll straight away see it.

"And even issues, I'm more than happy to speak to anyone about it. Just let us know what your issues are, what you want to see done. And we will look into it."

"We wouldn't be here if we didn't want to help."

Skye added: "We're here to do a job.

"And we're here for the youths in Kenilworth.

"So if there is something that you want to say that you're too scared to tell a big councillor or something like that, you can DM us on Instagram or on TikTok, put it in the comments section.

"I think it's just important that if there's something you want to happen or to be considered, to just tell us."

Click here to see the Kenilworth Youth Council Instagram account.