A 15-YEAR-OLD says he cannot wait to get started after becoming Lewisham’s new young mayor.

Forest Hill School pupil Kieran Lang beat 18 other candidates in last week’s election, securing 2,817 votes from his peers across the borough.

The teenager had campaigned on ending negative stereotypes of young people, creating opportunities and events for them to show their talents and mending relationships with the community.

He said: "I’m overwhelmed but extremely happy and excited.

“As mentioned in my manifesto, I am an example, not a stereotype, and will work on relationships between the young and old.

“Thank you to all my supporters, I’m going to do my best to make a change. I can’t wait.”

Kieran is the eighth youngster to hold the title which will see him in office for one year with a budget of £30,000 to spend.

Sedgehill School pupil Chezney Speed-Skyers, 15, has been elected as deputy in the election which saw 8,076 youngsters voting - a turnout of 42 per cent.

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: “All the candidates are winners and make the whole election a success.

“It’s going to be a great year and I am looking forward to working with Kieran in the future.”

Kieran takes over from previous young mayor Kieza Silveira De Sousa, who is now off to university.

He used his budget on schemes including helping young people set up their own businesses and a YouTube channel highlighting the good work done by young people in the borough.

Kieza said after the result: “I tried three times before being successful and it was worth it.

“Whatever the winners choose to do, go for it, and draw on energy around you.”