The youth of Helston have revealed what they believe are the ten most important things to happen in the town.

Students from all four of Helston’s schools - Helston Community College, with Parc Eglos, St Michael's and Nansloe primary schools – took part in creating Cornwall’s first even ‘Youth Manifesto’, which was unveiled on Thursday.

Among the top issues that the youngsters put forward were free healthcare, safety and keeping the town’s ‘unique traditions and festivals’ alive.

They were just some of the topics discussed at a Youth Engagement Day hosted by Helston Town Council last November, which saw the pupils being encouraged to put forward issues close to their hearts.

After a debate in the council chamber, presided over by the town mayor Cllr Tim Grattan Kane, the pupils voted on the issues they felt strongly about.

They whittled down their long list to a shortlist of ten priorities they would like to see addressed, either by the town council or other organisations in the town, to form the Youth Manifesto.

The full list can be found below: 1. A place where everyone feels safe.

2. A place where everything and everyone feels welcome.

3. Helston needs more facilities for young people.

4. A litter-free clean town 5. Encourage walking and cycling.

6. Keep facilities local.

7. Keep our unique traditions and festivals.

8. Helston’s healthcare should be locally accessible.

9. Keep Helston’s environment green.

10. Everyone deserves educational opportunities.

It is the first time that young people have been encouraged to put forward their ideas and raise issues important to them, to be put into an official document.

Local artist Delia Webb was then commissioned to work with the young people, to create a piece of public art that depicts the manifesto so it can be publicly displayed at the Guildhall in Helston for all to see.

A ceremony took place last Thursday, to publicly unveil the artwork that will be on display in the entrance to the Corn Exchange.

Projects officer Charlotte Caldwell said that the students "thoroughly enjoyed" the engagement day and put forward their views in a compelling way in the chamber.

She added that many of the issues discussed affected them, their peers and families.

Town mayor Tim Grattan Kane said: "The Youth Manifesto represents an innovative approach to seeking the concerns of the young people of Helston.

"It enables us to work with them to address their issues in our service delivery.

"I was impressed with the thought and consideration expressed by the young people who attended this event."