Charities campaign to encourage first-time voters

The Scout Association, Oxfam and the Hansard Society campaign aims to encourage first-time voters to visit a specially launched website called Active Citizens: Virgin Voters offering advice on voting and campaigning.

Advice includes how to register to vote, start a campaign and take part in local political activity and volunteering. MPs and local councillors will also take part in online discussions with young people.

Wayne Bulpitt, the Scout Association's UK chief commissioner, said: "We believe young people should have a voice on the issues that matter to them.

"We not only want our young members to see why they should vote but how politics impacts on the causes and concerns that they have."

The Scout Association estimates that around 10,000 Scouts will be eligible to vote in a general election for the first time this year.