AN ANDOVER pupil has been compared to a young Andrew Neil after raising hundreds of pounds during a 12-hour charity livestream in June.

Dmitrijs Meiksans, who attends Harrow Way Community School and is the local Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for North West Hampshire, organised the #TheBig12HourLivestream on June 20 to raise funds for a host of local charities.

Dmitrijs welcomed many a guest and had the opportunity to interview the likes of local MPs Kit Malthouse and Caroline Nokes on the livestream.

And another of his interviewees, borough council leader councillor Phil North, was amongst those to praise Dmitrijs for the project.

“Well done to Dmitrijs for raising so much money for such terrific causes,” he said. “It was my pleasure to take part. If Dmitrijs ever wants a job as a political interviewer - then I’m sure he’d give Andrew Neil a run for his money.”

The livestream aimed to raise funds for a number of local charities, including British Youth Council, Hampshire Youth Parliament, Unity, Andover Trees United and DMK Worldwide.

It accumulated over 700 views with 25 donors supporting the cause, and in the end the event raised a total of £375.

The chosen charities and youth organisations are due to receive their monies soon to help them continue their work during the pandemic.

Dmitrijs said: “It was an amazing experience to have hosted something like this to raise money for the charities and youth organisations that need it most during this pandemic.

“I want to thank everyone who donated, shared and watched on the day and also would like to thank the inspirational people who came onto the livestream and allowed me to interview them.”

As MYP for North West Hampshire, Dmitrijs represents more than 25,000 young people within his constituency, which covers parts of Test Valley, South Newbury and Basingstoke and Deane. He was elected to the position in March 2019.

The UK Youth Parliament, run by the British Youth Council, provides opportunities for 11-18 year olds to use their elected voice to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning.