CWMBRAN'S youth finally have their own voice, with a council run by young people for young people.

So it was quite appropriate that young voices in song marked the launch of Cwmbran youth council at a free gig on Friday evening.

Young rock and pop acts from across the town took part in the launch at Fairwater Leisure Centre.

The event was arranged by the 30 members of the Youth council, made up of pupils from Fairwater Llantarnam and Croesyceiliog comprehensive schools, with only a month to organise it.

The body was set up by Cwmbran community council with the help of officers from Torfaen council's youth department, and was inspired by a similar body in Cwmbran's twin town of Bruchsal, Germany.

David Orphan, clerk to Cwmbran community council, said: "This gives our young people a legitimate voice and they are very enthusiastic about it."

Fairwater High School pupil Louise Carpenter, 15, is a founding member of the council.

"We were always complaining that there was nothing for us to do in Cwmbran," said Louise. "So, instead of adults choosing what we do this lets us do our own thing and get our ideas across.

"We thought a free gig would be a great way to launch it and get young people interested."