A NEW team of young leaders has been appointed to the Rural City of Wangaratta youth council for 2008/09.

The group of eight students from Wangaratta High School and Galen and Cathedral colleges, were presented with a plaque and badge to formally recognise their position at a council meeting on Tuesday night.

Councillor Tanya Tatulaschwili was a member of the selection panel for the new youth council, and said she was impressed with the calibre of the successful candidates.

"We have yet again another great group of young ambassadors for our community who will be working hard over the next 12 months," she said.

"I really look forward to having their continued feedback and advising council on a whole array of issues which relate to local youth."

Cr Ron Webb said he found the group "quite enlightening" after speaking with them this week.

"Having met with these young people for the first time this evening, I couldn’t help to be impressed with their enthusiasm," he said.