Becky Brunskill

Counillor in County Durham

Until last year I was working as a check out girl at Woolworths to pay my way through my course at Northumbria University, I never expected that I would celebrate my 21st birthday at the County Council.

I live and have grown up in an ex-mining village in County Durham. It's so true that all councils need a range of backgrounds, my experience as a young person has been vital when making decisions about looked after children in the County, transportation, education...the list goes on and on. It was a daunting experience at first, but you have to dig your roots, keep asking questions and getting to know people whether inside the civic building or in your patch.

As a councillor you put in as much work as you want, the harder you work - the more you get back. The first thing I achieved was getting a burnt sign replaced. It was a simple task but sometimes the smallest things can make a huge difference to community pride. It's an addictive job where every day is different.

Nothing compares to the experience of being a councillor, you get a real insight into people's lives across all sections of society. You come across selfless people who dedicate their lives to their community, a project, an allotment or even a street. You soon come to learn that these people are priceless. Imagine if everyone did just one thing!