TAVISTOCK College students took part in a mock election to teach them about the democratic process and encourage them to vote — with the Liberal Democrat candidate declared the winner.

Ed Wilkins won, after a recount, with 317 votes, just 20 more than his Conservative rival Roo Gould, with 297.

Adam Browner polled 239 votes for UKIP, with Green Party candidate Tom Sparks on 109 and Labour's Tom Rodgers on 57.

Winner Ed said: 'I'm absolutely ecstatic. I had a feeling but I wasn't too sure. I'm very glad I did this; it shows that it's time for a change.

'I've been handing out leaflets, put posters round the college and canvassed support. I'm part of Liberal Youth so I went out canvassing for real with the local Lib Dem candidate Adam Symons and his team.

'I want to go into politics and maybe be a candidate in a real election. I'm very interested in German politics so I might go over there and get involved.'

The students gave speeches in assemblies and campaigned on the parties' views. Unlike Ed, some of the other candidates did not agree with the policies they were putting forward but were encouraged to stick to the parties' real pledges to give a fair representation of the choices facing the electorate.

Teacher Helen Harris arranged for sixth form students to act as candidates and involved others to count the votes and man polling stations.

Student Luke Hilton Pierce, who acted as returning officer, said: 'The candidates and staff, particularly Mrs Harris, have all been very impressive. I would like to thank them for organising the mock election. It's been an important experience for everyone involved. Congratulations to Ed on getting elected.'