I have worked for the past 20 years in communications and marketing for a range of social enterprise, charities and housing associations. I am currently a part-time youth worker for Stroud-based charity, The Door.

Ever since I came to work in Stroud in the late 1970s, I fell in love with the town. For me it has everything that you could want - beautiful countryside with our hills and valleys, vibrant, mixed communities, great pubs and a vibrant, independent and social business community.

Politics, especially at a local level, is about all the day-to-day things that affect people's quality of life. It's clear to me that the Town Council has a great vision for the town and its people, and I'm incredibly excited about playing my part in helping deliver its vision.