South Ayrshire Council has hosted its ninth annual youth conference with the theme of "what matters most" this year.

The conference was an opportunity to highlight the ways young people can engage with and influence decision-makers across South Ayrshire through local outcome improvement planning.

The main topics of debate were mental health, transport, children and young people's rights, the Curriculum for Life, democracy and littering.

All the secondary schools in South Ayrshire were represented with around 80 pupils coming together to discuss issues that affect them.

A range of local services and national organisations were also on hand to deliver workshops and provide information and advice.

South Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Campbell said: "The council is committed to giving young people the best possible start in life and events like this give us important feedback.

"There was a great deal of enthusiasm about the Year of Young People 2018 and what we can all do to celebrate our young people's ideas, attitudes and ambitions.

"I am very much looking forward to working with and hearing from more of our young people as we strive to make South Ayrshire an even better place to live."

Councillor William Grant said: "The conference was inspirational and the room was filled with engaging young people who want to make a difference.

"Problems were discussed but there was also a determination to find solutions which is really promising.

"It's clear that more young people are finding their voice and having their say and I look forward to more engagement with them in the future."