WELL known Tynedale osteopath, Dr John Gelson, is Corbridge's newest parish councillor.

He won the votes of 543 villagers as the community went to the polls on Thursday last week to fill a vacancy on the council in the first parish election in 12 years.

Standing on behalf of Tynedale Green Party Jack Oldham, who is a familiar face in the village Co-op on Hill Street, received 175 votes.

The turn out was 27.6 per cent.

Agent for Tynedale Green Party, David Grundy, said: "It think it's great that a young man in his 20s was willing to stand in a parish council election.

"Having elections is a positive thing because that is the true democratic process.

"A lot of parish councils haven't had elections for a number of years - I think in the last local elections only nine of the 50 odd parishes in Tynedale had them."

It follows the death of well-respected councillor and legal professional, Prof. Phillip Kenny, who died in February following a battle with cancer.

Prof. Kenny had served on the council since 2008, including a two-year term as vice chairman.

Chairman of Corbridge Parish Council, Coun. Maurice Hodgson, said: "I am pleased to welcome Dr John Gelson on to Corbridge Parish Council following the recent election. 

"He has been a well respected member of the community for many years now and I am sure he will make a positive contribution to the many and varied issues the parish council have to deal with."