A STUDENT from Tavistock College has been chosen to help represent the youth of Devon in the recent UK Youth Parliament elections.

Amber Schumacher, 11, was voted as a deputy member of the UK Youth Parliament representing West Devon, North Devon and Torridge after thousands of young people across Devon cast their vote and elected the 16 young people who will represent them in the UK Youth Parliament for the next two years.

Voting took place in 50 different schools, youth centres and youth clubs to elect the Members of Youth Parliament and their deputies. The elected young people will work locally in their constituencies with their peers to address important issues for young people as well as working with county councillors and MPs to get the voices of young people heard locally and nationally.

Councillor Christine Channon, Devon County Council's cabinet member for schools and skills, said: 'I'd like to extend a very warm welcome to Devon's new UK Youth Parliament Members and their deputies, and wish them every success for the next two years.

'These young people play a crucial role as a conduit for Devon's young people to feed their views and opinions into many council policies that have an impact on their lives, as well as debating important local issues on a national platform.  

'We are proud to have a very influential UK Youth Parliament here in Devon that is well respected nationally, and we're pleased to be supporting them in their work.'

l Anyone who would like further information can visit the website at http://www.geturvoiceheard.co.uk ">www.geturvoiceheard.co.uk ;