THE importance of democracy is being celebrated nationwide from Monday, October 13 - the start of Local Democracy Week.

On Thursday several Thurrock councillors will be speed dating at two local schools!

The councillors will spend a few minutes with pupils answering their questions. The pupils will decide which councillor best represents them based on a series of criteria: approachability; listening skills; willingness to understand youth issues; ability and willingness to answer specific questions; and whether or not they would vote for the councillor.

In addition, young people from Beacon Hill and Treetops schools have been asked to submit three different photographs covering what they like most about Thurrock; what they dislike most about Thurrock; what they would change in Thurrock along with a sentence or two explaining their choice of picture.

Councillors have been asked to do something similar for Local Democracy Week.

The young people's pictures will be on display in the foyer of the Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, between October 20 and 24 under the heading Councillors Should Know.

The Thameside complex in Grays will be hosting a Registering to Vote stand throughout the week.

Staff from the council’s Electoral Services department will be there between 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm each day and councillors will also man the stand from time to time on the Monday and Wednesday and be available to answer questions. You can ask for assistance with your Register of Electors form or find out more about postal voting, anonymous registration or young voters.

Other councillors are expected to visit local schools during Local Democracy Week.

In the next few weeks, the council’s Children, Education and Families Directorate is also planning an on-line vote to allow young people to elect their Youth Champion. Councillors will give their views on a series of youth-related questions and young people are being encouraged to log on and vote.