A borough college student has been praised after introducing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to the stage at the launch of his party's manifesto launch.

Holly Kalns, 18, is currently sitting her exams at Holy Cross College in Bury and is on a placement programme with Bury North Labour candidate James Frith.

The placement is part of her politics A-level where students work in political offices, talk to constituents and gain an insight into what it is like to work within government or be an MP.

Read more: Prestwich residents set up 'action group' amid plans for 10-bed HMO

In a speech at Labour's manifesto launch, Holly said: “I recently turned 18, so this election will be the first time I get to have my vote in the election and I’m excited to vote for Labour on July 4.

“Politics is something I think affects every aspects of our lives and this election will determine our lives more than ever before.

“With the Covid pandemic, it feels as if young people have often been forgotten and left behind, especially when we lost years of schooling and social interaction, which arguably caused long lasting effects such as the A-level algorithm affecting what universities we could attend.

Read more: Volunteer of 61 years 'flabbergasted' to get MBE

“At the same time, they had Downing Street parties, something that was hard for many to learn, but especially for a generation that sacrificed so much of our youth.

“For me and many young people, Keir Starmer’s Labour Party symbolises a better future and greater equality and prosperity for all of us.”

Holly added that Labour symbolises gender equality, and that the women at the heart of the Labour Party give her and the next generation something to look towards and represent the progress society is making.

Read more: Group of Bury FC fans set to sit on every seat in Gigg Lane

She also praised the environmental pledges that Labour have made and how environmental issues will affect her generation most.

Sir Keir praised Holly after she gave her speech.

Mr Frith said: “I'm so proud of Bury’s own Holly, who has been helping my campaign for months now and is a superstar.

“It was great to see a Holy Cross student introducing Keir Starmer at the manifesto.”