Basildon's 50th birthday celebrations roll on with a special youth assembly next month.

European issues will be on the agenda and all the district's secondary schools will be invited to send delegates for the two-day conference from Tuesday, April 27.

The event will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Council of Europe which was launched in London on May 5, 1949, linking international Governments.

The Basildon assembly is poised to tackle such issues as youth unemployment, safeguarding young people's rights to be involved in the decision-making process, education, health and providing accommodation for young homeless.

Invites have also been sent to Basildon's twin towns of Meaux in France and Heiligenhaus in Germany.

The event is being jointly organised by Basildon Council's 50th anniversary sub-committee and the liaison committee.

Chairman of liaison, councillor Alf Dove, said: "Hosting a special youth assembly in Basildon is an excellent way of combining the celebrations for our own 50th anniversary and that of the Council of Europe.

"Basildon Council is active in attempting to encourage the young people of the district to become more involved in the decision-making process of local government.

"We are all looking forward with interest to find out which European issues and subjects the young people feel strongly about, and the ideas they come up with.

"We hope as many of the district's youngsters as possible take the opportunity to become involved in this event."

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