Young people from Newham have spoken and elected Abraham Male to be their new Young Mayor, an office he will occupy during the Olympic and Paralympic Games next year.

Abraham, 15, received 1,055 votes from the young population for his manifesto to promote the 2012 Olympic values of determination and excellence as well as spreading a positive message about the impact young people can make in the borough.

Abraham, who attends Kingsford Community School in Beckton, said: “I’m so overwhelmed at being elected Young Mayor. Young people are important for the future of Newham and it’s so important with the Olympic Games next year their voices are heard.”

The post of Deputy Young Mayor went to Wendy Zadigue, 16, who polled 838 votes.

Wendy is also a volunteer for Canning Town charity Community Links.

Sir Robin said: “I’m so proud of the Young Mayor Scheme. Every Young Mayor that has been elected has been brilliant and we have seen a steady increase in young people taking part in the elections since we started.

“It’s great to see so many young people passionate about making a difference to their area.

“I look forward to working with the Abraham, Wendy and the Youth Councillors and I’m confident that they will continue to build on the achievements of their predecessors.”

The turn out for this year’s election count was 43.37 per cent with a total of 10,082 young people voting.

Sir Robin also thanked the previous Young Mayor Ali Mohamed and Deputy Young Mayor Jasmin Joseph.

He added: “Ali and Jasmin are real examples of what our young people can achieve and really represent the voice of our youngsters.”

The remaining candidates will now form the Youth Council who support and advise the Young Mayor and his deputy.

Currently, 24 schools, colleges and youth groups participate in the annual event.

Since the scheme was established in 2007, Young Mayors have delivered the joint Olympic Stadium bid to Downing Street, campaigned for Olympic volunteering opportunities for young people, and handed the Olympic Truce to the United Nations delegation.