THE Swindon Youth Forum has named zero tolerance towards bullying and cheaper public transport among its priorities this year.

The new priorities have been voted for by more than 600 students from six local schools, including Lydiard Park Academy, Isambard Community School and Commonweal School.

Also on the list is improving relationships between police and young people, ending child poverty and making leisure and cultural activities more affordable.

Over the past 12 months the Youth Forum has worked hard on five issues, including relationships with older generations, reducing obesity, positive activities, emotional well-being and positive image in the media.

Their work included producing a DVD on mental health, a questionnaire on school meals and an exhibition of pictures taken by Swindon photographer Albert Beany more than 50 years ago.

They will now work with a number of primary schools to promote healthy lifestyles and develop play zones to promote positive play and physical exercise.

In a report presented to Swindon Children’s Trust Board last night, a spokesman for the forum said: “The new priorities have been voted for using the Make Your Mark ballot papers.

“This was designed to help decide what UK Youth Parliament members should campaign on for 2012.

“The topics on the ballot paper were decided by members of the Youth Parliament from all over the UK at the annual sitting in July.

“This was then used on a local level to guide Swindon’s member of the Youth Parliament and Swindon Youth Forum campaigns for 2012.”

Carney Bonner, a former member of the Youth Parliament, also delivered his end of year report during the meeting.

He handed over the reins to Grishma Ramesh, 16, of Swindon Academy.

He said: “This job has taken me all over Swindon meeting young people that have amazing stories.

“And I have met with some young people who have made some bad choices.

“This has been a highlight because it has meant that young people, who may not have known they had a voice, do have a voice, and I have been able to help them get this voice.”