Lambeth's new youth mayor has vowed to tackle tensions between young people and the police during his time in office.

Darren Tenkorang, 15, a pupil at Bishop Thomas Grant School in Streatham, said he wanted to bring more police officers into schools to talk about the controversial elements of their job, such as stop and search.

Darren, who was elected earlier this month, said: "I hope to break down the barriers between the youth and the police. I want to set up situations where they can talk on a level.

"I think many young people will realise then the police are not here to bother young people but to help them."

However he did acknowledge it would be difficult to completely eradicate tensions about police methods such as stop and search.

Darren said as youth mayor he was also hoping to destroy negative stereotypes of young people and unite secondary school students.

He said: "The youth of today are looked upon as rebellious teenagers who wear black hoods and roam the streets at night."

The Brixton resident, who has not ruled out a career in politics, was elected youth mayor after a tight-fought electoral race, in which some 10,000 votes were cast by 11 to 19-year-olds in the borough.

Young people who live, work or study in the borough could vote at polling stations in 12 Lambeth schools.

Darren won by 28 votes after a recount, beating Sara Zouhir, who becomes deputy youth mayor.

Stephanie Harb, 16, was voted the next member of youth parliament (MYP), and Daniel Longe,14, deputy MYP. The two teenagers are charged with organising events and projects, running campaigns and influencing decision-makers on issues that matter to young people in the borough.

The Lambeth Youth Mayor and advisory panel will have a £25,000 budget to invest in youth projects and activities, when they take up their posts in April.