PRUDHOE Town Council will welcome a new councillor at its next meeting.

An election to fill a vacancy in the Prudhoe Castle and Eltringham Ward was held last Thursday, with independent candidate Martin Foster being elected.

Martin, a Prudhoe resident who works at the town’s Red Brick House care home as its activities co-ordinator, said he had decided not to stand for a political party.

“I wanted to stop politics ruling people’s lives,” he said.

“I want to be a voice for the people to get things they want done.

“I like helping people, and that’s what I want to do.”

Martin received 252 votes to Labour candidate Lee Robinson’s 120 votes.

He added: “I was ecstatic – it was very very good news.

“I just want to say thank you to all of the people who put their trust in me in their vote.”