A dad of two and a retired teacher will be canvassing for votes at the town’s by-election to replace the late Cllr Joe Trussler.

The vote to fill the seat of the former mayor in the South ward takes place on Thursday, October 6.

The two nominated candidates are Conservative Dan Friend and Wendy Scott (Lib Dem).

Mr Friend, 30, of Woodnesborough Road, is hoping to represent the younger generation in the town.

He and wife of four years Megan have children William, two, and Violet, nine weeks. He is treasurer for the Royal British Legion Sandwich branch.

He said: “I’ve been attending council meetings for some time and I feel there are certain sections of the community that are under represented, such as young families.

“I think this is especially important as the demographics of the town are changing and there are now more young people in Sandwich.”

The manager at Topps Tiles in Folkestone supports Rummey Design’s “thorough” proposals to improve traffic in the town.

He said: “If I were to become a councillor, I’d like to make sure Sandwich gets its fair share from Dover District Council and Kent County Council especially in terms of traffic improvements.”

Mr Friend went to school in Deal, moving to Woodnesborough in 1998 and to Sandwich in 2004.

He added: “My family has had connections to this area for generations. I feel I’ve got the energy and passion to give something back to the town.”

Mrs Scott, 74, of Woodnesborough Road, is a retired teacher, whose last post was at St Edmund’s School in Canterbury from 1993 until 2004.

She has lived in the area since 2009, having spent 20 years in Canterbury and six in France.

She supports Rummey Design’s proposals, and is also keen to alleviate a bin problem in Bell Lane.

She said: “Bell Lane should be, by law, a right of way for traffic and pedestrians.”

She added: “I would like to see more facilities for the youth of Sandwich and an inclusion of them in local projects.

“I support the plans to the alterations to the museum with aim of showcasing the Magna Carta, encouraging the important tourist industry as well as the people of the area.”

The active member of Canterbury and District U3A is interested in choral singing, walking, studying languages and continuing to learn.

Cllr Joe Trussler, whose seat one of the candidates will take, died in June after a battle with prostate cancer.

A poll will be taken inside The Phoenix Centre, in Sandwich, on Thursday, October 6 between 7am and 10pm.