TWO West Devon girls who had not seen each other since leaving primary school more than 10 years ago, have been reunited at Westminster as they both embark on careers in politics.

The girls went in different directions to continue their studies at secondary school and afterwards at university, then met up again, working as research assistants for neighbouring South West Liberal Democrat MPs John Burnett and Colin Breed.

Aimee Parnell, from Milton Abbot, and Kate McGavin of Horrabridge, both attended St Michael?s School, Tavistock, (now Kelly College Junior School) in the late 1980s.

Aimee left in 1990 to go to the Maynard School in Exeter and Kate left in 1991 to go to Cheltenham Ladies College.

After completing their A-levels, both girls went on to university, Aimee studied classics at St Anne?s College, Oxford and Kate studied English at Trinity College, Cambridge, both graduating in June 2002.

Neither had seen the other since leaving St MIchael?s for their secondary schools, until they met again in the corridors of power a few weeks ago.

Kate has been working as a research assistant to Colin Breed, MP for South East Cornwall since November and Aimee began her post as West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett?s research assistant last month.

Aimee said is was an incredible coincidence to have ended up working for neighbouring MPs: ?It is a very small world. I couldn?t believe it when I heard Kate was working for Colin Breed.

?I don?t think either of us look that different. I could still recognise Kate,? she said.

Aimee said as the South West Liberal Democrats MPs had weekly meetings, the two old friends were now able to meet up regularly. Aimee said she was enjoying the research work: ?it?s an amazing world to be in. It can be very hectic.?

Kate said she was glad to have met up with Aimee again after many years.

?John Burnett told me he had a new researcher starting who came from Tavistock, and when I heard the name I recognised it immediately.

?We met up and I was able to show Aimee around a little bit,? said Kate.