Cheddar Parish Council has co-opted Derek Bradley-Balmer on to the council following the resignation of Mandy Kelly in the summer.

This brings the parish council up to its full complement of 15 councillors.

Cllr Bradley-Balmer has lived in Cheddar since 2012, giving him time to appreciate the pleasures of the community and the surrounding countryside and, at the same time, to see the pressures imposed by housing development.

As a relative newcomer who has lived and worked in other parts of the country, he hopes to bring the benefits of those experiences to the parish.

Derek's overriding passion is the environment and he joins the Highways and Open Spaces Committee whose responsibilities include the playing fields, Hannah More Park, the allotments and environmental issues as well as highways concerns.

Cheddar Parish Council chairman, Peter Colton, said: "We had a number of applicants for the vacant position which was very pleasing as it shows how much interest there is in the work of the parish council.

"We are delighted to welcome Derek into our team from a very strong group of candidates."

For further information about the parish council contact [email protected] or phone 01934 743217.