The polls have opened for the second Welsh Youth Parliament, with eight candidates standing in the Vale of Glamorgan constituency.

Nearly 300 candidates between the ages of 11 and 18 are standing in the online election for forty constituency seats.

The Welsh Youth Parliament (Senedd Ieuenctid Cymru), launched three years ago, is aimed at offering a voice in Welsh politics to young people.

The eight candidates in the Vale of Glamorgan, looking to succeed the area's inaugural member, Lleucu Wiliam, are:

Ana Lleucu Gweirydd Jones

Ashleigh Watkins

Charlotte Davies

Evan Harding

Evie Kwan

Millie Lowe

Oliver Tait

Will Thomas

The Senedd's presiding officer, Elin Jones MS, said it was ''an excellent way for young people across the country to make their views heard''.

''The Youth Parliament built on our education sessions and work in schools across Wales, alongside the introduction of votes at 16, to demonstrate our strong commitment to the next generation," she said.

''Young people have just as much a stake in our country as everyone else, and Members of the first Welsh Youth Parliament have demonstrated their passion, activism and ability to influence decisions.''

''This institution is now a key part of our democracy and over the last few years the Members' hard work and perspectives have contributed in important ways to the work of the Senedd and decisions made by the Welsh Government.''

"It is crucial that young people have an opportunity to get involved in democracy as soon as possible and I'm proud of the efforts of this institution.''

The 40 constituency seats will be decided by young people voting but 20 regional members will also be selected by partner groups, such as the Urdd and T Hafan, to ensure diverse groups are represented.

Voting is done electronically with each registered voter emailed a unique code to verify their ballot.

Registration to vote closes on Friday 12 November, with the polls closing at midday on Monday 22 November.

The results will be announced on Wednesday 1 December with the new members meeting for the first time in the New Year.

To view the manifestos of the eight Vale of Glamorgan candidates, click here