The newest member of Cheshire West and Chester Council has vowed to honour the legacy of his predecessor and fight for rural communities.

Sion Roberts was recently elected to the the seat of Willaston and Thornton for the Conservatives, after a by-election was trigged following the passing of veteran Conservative Myles Hogg. 

The local party called the campaign 'positive and hard-fought' with Cllr Roberts securing 53.8 per cent of the vote.

Speaking after the election, Cllr Roberts said: "Any by-election held in these very sad circumstances is always challenging.

"There was a strong feeling of loss across the Willaston and Thornton Ward when talking to residents during the campaign. Cllr Hogg was held in the highest possible regard for his tenacious and committed record of action on a range of issues."

Having moved to Childer Thornton 25 years ago, Cllr Roberts helped set up a Residents' Association in Hooton and is currently chair of Hooton Memorial Hall.

His campaign pledges include fighting to protect the green belt and countryside and for what he called 'a fair share' of council resources for villages and rural communities. He also vowed to oppose maximum council tax hikes.

He added: "I am proud that I was elected following a positive and fair campaign, despite some of the usual rough tumble that comes with a passionate election contest like this. 

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"My plan for the Willaston & Thornton Ward is very clear and I'm excited to get stuck into my work as a councillor and to deliver on my local priorities."