City of York Council is inviting school children to takeover certain jobs for the day - including the Lord Mayor's -  as part of the first ever national 11 MILLION Takeover Day on 23 November.

Children from schools across the city are joining in Takeover Day, a national event to celebrate the importance of young people in our society. Takeover Day will see businesses and organisations across the country demonstrate their commitment to children and young people for the day.

Being the Lord Mayor for the day will involve a tour of the Mansion House and carrying out other mayoral duties planned for that day.

It is hoped that children will be 'taking over' other council roles, including the children's champion David Scott and Keith Aspden executive member for Youth and Social Inclusion. In addition, children will be reporting on the day at the council by 'taking over' the roles of reporters.

Children are also helping the council put the finishing touches to its new website - Yor-OK - aimed at providing information for parents, families and carers of young people. The council wants their input to the web site before it is launched later this year.

Pete Dwyer, director of Learning, Culture and Children's Services, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the council to celebrate the importance of children and young people in our society. We are committed to listening to and recognising the talents and contributions of children and young people in York.

"By taking part in Takeover Day, we hope that we can help give children and young people a better understanding of how the council works as well as giving them some experience of leadership and decision making."