FOOTBALL legend Gary Neville has shared a message of support for a Leigh schoolboy set to become the next “Children’s Prime Minister”.

The former Manchester United and England star is supporting an event organised by the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament and international charity Football for Peace, taking place at Westminster.

During a day of action to raise awareness of water scarcity worldwide, the Children’s Parliament will formally introduce its newly-elected Children’s Prime Minister. 
Current Children’s Prime Minister and Thorpe Hall School student Harry Acheampong, 12, will hand over power to 11-year-old Clark Dearson, from Saint Pierre School, in Leigh.

Congratulations to Clark Dearson from @saintpierresch on being elected the new UK Children’s Parliament Prime Minister taking over from Harry Acheampong. Here’s Manchester United legend @GNev2 congratulating our new PM.
Thanks to @wakelet and @Microsoft365 #ChildrensParliament pic.twitter.com/jZhUlBsQwm

The Children’s Parliament named in memory of late Southend West MP Sir David Amess, who was murdered the day before the inaugural Children’s Parliament event was due to take place with him in attendance.

Current Children’s Prime Minister and Thorpe Hall School student Harry Acheampong, 12, will hand over power to 11-year-old Clark Dearson, from Saint Pierre School in Leigh.

In a video message shared on social media, Mr Neville said: "Congratulations to Clark Dearson, from Saint Pierre School in Leigh, on being elected as the new Wakelet Microsoft 365 Children’s Parliament Prime Minister.

“Clark is taking over from the outgoing Harry Acheampong.

“It’s fantastic to see young people discussing the issues that matter to them and developing skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.”

Southend West MP Anna Firth, Sir David’s successor, will join the Children’s Parliament at the event.

Echo: Local support - new PM Clark Dearson with MP Anna Firth and outgoing PM Harry Acheampong.Local support - new PM Clark Dearson with MP Anna Firth and outgoing PM Harry Acheampong. (Image: UK Children's Parliament)

She said: “It is always fantastic to get support from those who have platforms and that I am glad to see Gary using his to promote worthwhile causes. For my part, I am delighted to be one of the Children’s Parliament’s parliamentary champions and helping to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength.

“I met my constituent, Clark, last year and once again want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on his election as Children’s Prime Minister. I look forward to working with him on the issues close to my young constituents.”

Sponsored by Wakelet and Microsoft 365, the Children’s Parliament will take part in the launch of a ten-year campaign to tackle water scarcity worldwide.

“Rehydrating the Earth” aims to use the global appeal of football to tackle water issues and reduce “rising tensions” between communities around the world.