Elections are at the heart of democracy, and last week the Bridport News reported on Zoe Bevis' hopes to represent young People in Dorset via the UK Youth Parliament. This week she tells the Youth page why we should vote for her.

THE UK Youth Parliament was set up a number of years ago to give a voice to under 18 year olds from all over the country, and from all backgrounds. The young people involved are listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies that have an interest in the views and needs of young people.

UKYP is all about change. Once elected, MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) work to establish the burning local, regional and national issues, and then tackle them through targeted campaigns.

The best way for you to get involved is to vote for me.

I am standing to represent Dorset because I believe that the young people of Bridport and the surrounding villages need the opportunity for their voices to be heard. I want to make a difference within the community and to change the perception of young people as viewed by older generations.

I will use my position within the West Dorset Youth Council, Bridport Youth Assembly and West Dorset Youth Bank to listen to the views of as many young people as possible and take their opinions to a regional and national level.

I would be a good MYP because of my determination and genuine interest in the young people of West Dorset. I would aspire to create more places for young people to go and promote better use of facilities that already exist for young people in the area. I will support the ongoing national campaign for better and more affordable public transport in rural areas and will always be open to new suggestions and ideas.

I am studying for my AS levels at Sir John Colfox School and have been involved with the Youth Centre and Bridport News Youth Page for several years.

I am a member of the Bridport Hap-Ki-Do club and on Saturdays, can be found working in Leakers Bakery. If elected, I am determined to listen to as many young people's views as possible and would be proud to represent Bridport at a national level.

If you want to get involved and make a difference to the lives of young people then vote for me at the website: www.

dorsetforyou.com/ukyp/elections and click on Zo Bevis (you can also see my video manifesto).