Sarah Malik has been elected Methodist Youth President at this year’s Methodist Youth Conference.

From January until September 2009 Sarah will work full time to serve as an advocate and spokesperson for young people in the Church.

The role is the first to be appointed in the Church’s new £4million Youth Participation Strategy, launched at the Youth Conference in Northampton last weekend.

This is the first time salaried positions have been specifically targeted at the 16 to 23-year-olds in order that young people help guide the direction of the Church.

Ms Malik, 20, said, "I’m really excited about this new role. In my year of presidency I hope to spend time travelling Britain and listening to what young people in the Church have to say and what they want to see changing. I find it easy to motivate myself when I am working towards something I love."

Mike Seaton, Children and Youth Team Director, said, "This new role is about encouraging and empowering the Church’s young people.

"During Sarah’s travels she will be able to challenge Methodists of all ages to welcome the participation of children and young people in all aspects of the Church’s work and life."

Sarah is a carer at a residential care home in Eyam, Derbyshire, and is passionate about helping people to participate in worship through the creation of prayer labyrinths.

The Youth Participation Strategy will also see 32 young people employed in new, part-time salaried posts as District Youth Enablers across the Methodist Church in Britain.

Youth Presidents will be appointed to work full-time in the Church annually from September 2009.