BUDDING youth politician Zoe Bevis has been voted in as a deputy Member of the UK Youth Parliament.

At Wednesday evening's UK Youth Parliament election count at County Hall in Dorchester, the results of elections for the two Dorset MYP representatives and their two deputies were announced.

Zoe, of Bridport, came in third place with 665 votes.

The Sir John Colfox student thus becomes the first deputy, having narrowly missed out on gaining one of the two seats.

These were gained by students from the Thomas Hardye School, as was the second deputy spot.

West Dorset senior youth worker, Arthur Woodgate said: "Zoe was congratulated by a number of people on the vitality and integrity of her campaign. The support of the Bridport News was outstanding, and this too was commented upon in detail at the event.

"Zoe is thrilled at winning the First Deputy place, and at the local support she has received.

" I know she will be expressing her gratitude when she has time to draw breath - she's up to her eyes in exams as well just now - but, along with the News, I'd personally like to also thank the Sir John Colfox, Beaminster and Woodroffe schools."