Skills and training for employment were the biggest priority for hundreds of young people who attended Croydon's first Youth Congress.

Organised by the Croydon Strategic Partnership, the congress brought together young people from every secondary school in the borough, as well as from as a wide variety of clubs, youth groups, and other organisations representing Croydon’s young citizens.

Dave Slade, a student who is peer support officer for the East Youth Forum and Youth Cabinet spoke at the end of the event and thanked those responsible.

“Youth Congress was amazing, it was so great to see such a large diverse group of young people all striving to deliver something to Croydon," he said.

"I will definitely be pushing for Youth Congress 2018 to happen and it will be lovely to see young people choosing what they want to happen in Croydon again.”

As well as jobs and skills, the congress also flagged up as key issues improved safety and the need to better address the needs of young people facing mental health problems.

“All of Croydon’s leaders are focused on the outcomes of this event. We need to be led by young people and we need to understand their hopes and dreams," Councillor Hamida Ali said.

“As a council we’re determined to see that Croydon’s continued economic growth provides benefits for the whole community, particularly our youth population, which is London’s largest.

“This day was a fantastic success, particularly because it made it very clear to us that aside from making Croydon a safe place, the number one priority for those present was ensuring they have jobs and a stable income once they leave education.”