Conservative Dan Friend has become one of Sandwich Town Council's youngest members in recent history following a by-election.

The 30-year-old, who lives in Woodnesborough Road, gained 152 votes beating Liberal Democrat Wendy Scott, who gained 77.

He will now represent the south ward.

Cllr Friend, who is a manager at Topps Tiles in Folkestone, said: “I’m delighted at the outcome of the by-election and the confidence the people of Sandwich have placed in me by voting for me.

"I’d like to thank everyone from the local Conservative association, all the people who volunteered throughout the whole process, the people who gave their valuable time in the run up to the election by delivering leaflets and talking to people both on the doorstep and on the day.

“I’d also like to thank everyone from the polling station for their hard work and also the staff from DDC who conducted the count.”

The by-election was held at The Phoenix Centre yesterday with Cllr Friend announced as the winner at 10.45pm.

He takes the seat of Joe Trussler who died in June after a battle with prostate cancer.

For the full story, pick up this week's Mercury - out on Thursday.