ELEVEN candidates are set to battle it out to become one of four young people to represent Plymouth's youth at a local and national level.

The winners in this year's elections to the UK Youth Parliament will act as the voice of young people from 11 to 18 on topics ranging from sex education to public transport and the environment.

Reace McDonnell, aged 18, who is hoping to be elected for the third time as a Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP), said it was more than a talking shop.

In his first year as an MYP Reace was involved in giving a presentation on sex and relationship education to the city council Cabinet.

Last year he and the city's Youth Cabinet took that work a step further and wrote a sex and relationship education pack which is going out to schools in Plymouth.

"It's already being used at Notre Dame School and I imagine there aren't many schools in Plymouth which aren't doing it," Reace said.

Kate Taylor, who is a deputy MYP, said the highlight of her year was joining all the country's 500 MYPs and deputy MYPs for a debate in the House of Commons in October.

Sitting on the same benches used by MPs, the MYPs debated whether university education should be free; youth crime and how to tackle it; free public transport for young people; job opportunities; and lowering the voting age to 16.

"To see where the magic of politics happens and to be taken seriously was a great experience," Kate said.

Cllr Grant Monahan, the city Cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Young people are now consulted with more than ever before. That means MYPs hold a position of real responsibility and will help make decisions about really crucial issues."

The election to the Youth Parliament will take place in the Council House on January 30, when there will be a chance for voters to meet the candidates and talk to local MPs from midday.

Voting will begin at 1pm and go on until 7pm when the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Ken Foster, will announce the results.

All 11-18-year-olds living in Plymouth and the surrounding area are eligible to vote. Anyone going along to the Council House on the day will be able to take advantage of the activities on offer including a mobile skate park and rodeo bull. There will also be live stage acts from local bands and singers showcasing their work.