Thomas, 16, tells of hopes for a better world.

IMPRESSIONS of a high profile international climate change conference were given to Middlesbrough Council by a Coulby Newham teenager.

Thomas Bielby, 16, spent 10 days last month at the conference in Bali

He was one of only four young people invited to attend after winning a competition, as reported. Thomas, chairman of the Middlesbrough Youth Council, said his role was to lobby decision makers to ensure young people had a say.

He told councillors he spoke to one girl from the Philippines who was in tears because her island was sinking. "I asked her what she thought of England. She said England has a bigger influence than many other countries. It could use that influence to help less developed countries and motivate developed countries to push for a better world," said Thomas.

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CLIMATE DEBATE: Thomas Bielby spoke to councillors Picture by IAN McINTYRE