EIGHT teams of teenagers were handed an imaginary £30,000 to devise projects.

The exercise, Have Your Say, was done in partnership with organisations including West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC), Thames Valley Police and mental health charity Mind.

On Friday, the youngsters presented their ideas to a panel of judges including Carterton mayor Michele Mead and WODC councillor Norman MacRae.

Bartholomew School in Eynsham set up an organisation which provided dogs for people with mental health problems.

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Alfie McDonough, 13, said: “We have had a good discussion and believe this project would be great for people with mental health problems or who are feeling lonely.”

Carterton Community College wanted to set up an after school club with visits from the police or charitable organisations to help with problems such as drugs.

Team member Kieran Everett, 13, said: “We know that young people have lots of problems and need help.”

Councillor MacRae said: “We have been hugely impressed with the ideas of these young people and I am sure their hard work will be brought to fruition in the near future.”