TWO young people in West Devon are preparing for battle at the ballot box, having decided to stand in this month?s UK Youth Parliament elections. Anthony Butcher from Tavistock College and Christabel Osborne from Okehampton College are among the five candidates for the North and West Devon and Torridge district. Voting takes place at the end of January with an electorate consisting of their peers. One of the five youngsters plus a deputy will join the winners from the elections in the two other districts of Devon to represent the county in the Youth Parliament. Antony Butcher, 16, from Tavistock College says he wants to help disadvantaged young people as they have even less say in their rights. Twelve-year-old Christabel Osborne, from Okehampton Community College is calling for more youth facilities such as skateboard parks and cyber cafes. A total of 18 eleven to 18-year-olds across Devon have taken a stand for democracy and put their names forward to stand in the election. Three young people will also be chosen as the Young People?s Shadow Executive, a body which is involved with Devon County Council?s top decision-makers. The UKYP has been active in Devon for five years and its 400 members aim to give young people a voice on issues which can be local, regional or national. The youth parliament elections will be held between Monday, January 16 and Wednesday, January 25 in the county?s schools, colleges and youth centres. Devon County Council?s executive member for children?s service, Cllr John Smith, said: ?Children and young people should be listened to ? Devon County Council is strongly committed to hearing their opinions and ideas, which is why we have adopted Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. ?All these youngsters are an asset to our county and their communities, and I look forward to working with the successful candidates.?