ELECTION fever is sweeping through the 'constituency' of Tavistock College with six parties scrambling for votes.

The three-week campaign — culminating in election day tomorrow (Friday) — has attracted the attention of John Burnett. The West Devon and Torridge MP dropped by last week to pass on a few tips to the candidates and their supporters.

The election is being run by the 12 and 13-year-olds in Year 8 Glanville. Sally Hubbard, head of Year 8, and personal and social education teacher, said the project grew from learning how political parties function. And that is why Mr Burnett made a special visit.

Students Rachael Carmichael and Kayleigh Sherrell wrote asking for some good electioneering advice — and he decided to deliver it personally.

Surrounded by rosette-wearing, leaflet-wielding young politicians, Mr Burnett listened to their diverse campaigns.

The Glanville Reformed Party put forward a vote-catching argument: 'We believe that the school should be more like the students want it and not how the teachers want it. After all it is our school!'

They called for a tuck shop instead of vending machines and wanted the abolition of uniforms.

There was the politically correct Quit Party wanting to stamp out smoking; the non-ageist Smartie Party arguing for equal rights for all years in the sports hall and the Bully Busters whose mission was to stamp out bullying. The political arena was completed with the Blubber Blub which was into health and the PESECB Party which was all for improved uniforms.

After hearing their political agendas Mr Burnett was introduced to the constituency's returning officer Master Stuart Small — 'as in not so big'.

The MP talked about aspects of being a politician and answered questions from the students.

Asked if he liked his job he said: 'I love being an MP. It's not a money grabbing or power thing. What is great is you can help people and communities enormously,' said Mr Burnett.

'Public service is a great privilege and honour to be in — it is immensely rewarding because it is so fulfilling.'

Asked if he liked Tavistock College he said he must do because he was always visiting it. 'You are at a very good college with a very high standard of dedicated staff.'

He was asked what the Prime Minister was like and said Tony Blair was different to what he seemed to be.

'He is a good performer but he is rather more shy privately than he seems on TV,' said Mr Burnett. 'He is a human being with the failings and qualities of any individual.

'Anyone who is a party leader has a very tough job — they have no time to themselves and they are always under the microscope. People are always watching to see if there is some bit of scandal or if they are changing their minds or weakening over something,' said Mr Burnett.

He praised the students' political endeavours — and wished them every success at the ballot box.