PRUDHOE’S newly-elected councillor has pledged to use his position to “enhance and protect” the town.

In a recent by-election Kevin Graham was voted in as town councillor for Prudhoe West and Halfway.

Kevin (35) comes to Prudhoe Town Council with seven years’ experience as a member of Newcastle City Council, from 2007 to 2014. And in 2005 he stood as Labour’s candidate for the Hexham Parliamentary seat.

However, after making the decision to settle permanently in Prudhoe, the Newcastle College lecturer has decided his efforts would be best used closer to home.

He said: “I naturally want to use my experience and interest in community issues to help protect and enhance the town.

“Faced with a very changing political and financial climate, it is important to ensure that the town is not left vulnerable and has a strong representative voice.”

Kevin’s election to the town council comes in the wake of the resignation of Mavis Harris in May after over a decade of service.

In the poll on July 16, Kevin attracted 265 votes with independent opponent Pamela Piper picking up just 95 votes.