Sam Townend for Bristol North West

Two public spirited teenagers from Bristol were whisked to London to meet Prime Minister Gordon Brown in recognition of their good work in the community.Shalayne Bartlett, 18, and 16-year-old Jenny Mullinder were given a rare peek behind Britain's most famous front door after being invited to the Number 10 reception celebrating the achievements of young people.

The pair were accompanied by Bristol North West MP Doug Naysmith and Sam Townend, the prospective Labour candidate, who also took them on a tour of the House of Commons.

Shalayne, from Brentry, is a former player for Southmead's girls' football teams and now she helps to run the under-12s team. She said: "I was really nervous about coming but it has been fantastic.

"It has opened my eyes to a lot of different views."

Jenny, from Lawrence Weston, has been elected three times as one of Bristol's Youth MPs to the UK Youth Parliament and campaigns on transport for young people, bullying and citizenship.

She said: "We went in to watch Prime Minister's Questions and I really wanted to get involved and say what I thought. I would like to go into politics but having to make the right decision about everything seems like a massive responsibility."

Mr Naysmith said: "These two young women are superb role models.

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