A COMMISSION has been set up to investigate what motivates young people.

Phil Redmond, creator of Grange Hill and Liverpool’s culture supremo, will head up the ambitious 4Children research project.

He will lead a panel of children’s services experts and national commentators in a five-week investigation into the lives of young people in Knowsley.

The Commission began gathering its evidence with a meeting with young people in Huyton last week.

Redmond said: “I have always found it invigorating working and listening to the views of young people.

“I am optimistic that they will be keen to contribute towards decisions which will affect their lives.”

Cllr Graham Wright, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The Commission provides a great opportunity for the council and its partners to get under the skin of young people’s issues.”

Damian Allen, executive director, said Knowsley was the first area in the country to carry out an independent investigation on this scale.

Charles Ellis, 4Children deputy chief executive, said the Commission would help shape national policy.