The Liberal Democrats have selected Sarah Smith as prospective Parliamentary candidate for Dover and Deal.

Mrs Smith will compete against tory MP Charlie Elphicke and Labour's prospective Parliamentary candidate Clair Hawkins for the constituency seat in the next general election in 2015.

Mrs Smith said: "I am honoured to have been selected by the people here to stand for Parliament."

"We need to get on with building a fairer society in Dover and Deal so that everyone - especially our young people - can have a bright future."

Sarah has lived all her adult life in the Dover villages with her husband and two daughters.

She was a director of a local construction and retail businesses for 25 years.

The 50-year-old has held senior roles at the Church of England and the Financial Services Authority, where she designed services to help people manage their money better.

"I have experienced the struggles and rewards of building up a business and bringing up a family. I know how important jobs, education and healthcare are to us all."

Russ Timpson, from Ash, has been selected as the party's candidate for the Thanet South constituency, which Laura Sandys MP (Tory) holds.

Last week Ms Sandys announced she will not stand for re-election in 2015.

"My principal aim is to focus on job opportunities for young people in the Thanet South area," said Mr Timpson.

"I intend to adopt and promote a constituency plan for business and jobs in consultation with with local people and businesses."

The 50-year-old lives with his family. He grew up in East Kent and has a deep commitment to the area.

Mr Timpson has worked in both the private and public sectors, initially in the Royal Navy Submarine Service and then the Kent Fire Brigade and the Thanet Fire Station.

He held senior roles in the private sector with Virgin Atlantic and BAA. More recently, he founded and sold a company employing 20 staff across the UK. Currently, he heads an engineering business in East Kent.

"I believe I have a positive contribution to make in our local community. I will be guided by Liberal Democrat principles, combined with pragmatism and a sense of purpose," he added.