AN Okehampton College student has put himself forward to represent Devon in this year's UK Youth Parliament elections.

Rowan Perrior, 13, is one of 27 young people aged between 11 and 18 who want to give a voice to youth issues in Devon.

Twenty young people will be elected — five from each of four geographic areas of Devon — to represent the county as members of the UK Youth Parliament, deputies to support them and members of the Young People's Shadow Executive, the group of young people involved with Devon County Council's top decision-makers.

The Year 8 student said his main priority was to 'abolish' tuition fees because he feels they are too expensive.

'I wanted to be a part of this because I don't think it's fair that students have to pay to be taught. I have spoken to other students and they agree — we shouldn't have to pay.

'If I get elected I will become a member of the UK Youth Parliament and then hopefully I can make a real difference in the future,' said Rowan.

The 'UR Voice, UR Devon' elections 2009 are being held in schools, colleges, youth centres and projects until Wednesday, January 28.

The results will be announced on Saturday, January 31. The successful members will take up their posts on February 1.

Devon County Council's executive member for Children and Young People's Services, Cllr Jo­­hn Smith, said: 'We are now in our eighth year of a youth parliament in Devon, and have established a really good record in engaging young people in the democratic process, which has had a very positive impact on the decisions we make that affect young people.'

As part of the election process, candidates took part in workshops where they wrote their manifestos and recorded a one-minute pledge, which will be shown in schools, youth centres and other projects around Devon. Young people will then have a chance to vote for their preferred candidate.