A weekly paper has developed a web page devoted to young people on its patch following a debate about negative stereotypes in the media.

Archant’s Willesden and Brent Times will host a regular column from young people in the area in the paper and in the new section of its website, which will also include web-based polls, debates and videos.

The move comes following a meeting organised by Brent Youth Parliament where a panel of experts was quizzed on the relationship between young people and the media.

It was attended by Willesden and Brent Times news editor Andy McCorkell and the debate was also filmed for the paper’s website.

Andy said: “In this particular debate an education minister, police commander and local councillors were invited to discuss negative media stereotypes of young people so it was crucial we took part in the debate.

“We’re very keen to harness the energy of these young people in developing our website to accommodate their creativity.

“By capturing the talks in online videos we kicked off their web page and the young people have committed to offering us regular contributions in the paper and online.

“We’ve agreed a monthly column for young people and have developed a web page to host videos, polls, editorial and online debate.”