A SUPPORTER of local sports, with motivations to help the town prosper, has joined Neyland council.

Jonny Sutton was voted to join the council's east ward on Monday night (February 4).

He beat fellow candidate Vanessa Walker - an experienced community council clerk and manager of the HOPE MS Centre - to the role by eight votes to two.

Speaking before the vote, Mr Sutton told members he had lived in Neyland all his life, and considered it a wonderful place to bring up his son.

He said he had been involved with St Clements Church, Neyland Cubs and Scouts, football, rugby and cricket, and was currently on the board at Neyland Athletic Club.

He has previously taken part in a gruelling 53.4 mile trek to raise funds for under-privileged children in Kenya, and spent 12 weeks at the Roko 20 Academy primary school last year, where he volunteered as a football coach.

"I have been, and continue to be, keen to set up numerous events within the town to help raise community spirit," he said.

"I'm very much a hands-on person so would be more than happy to help out in any way that I can."

Mr Sutton helped set up the Christmas fancy dress fun, and is also helping organise a second event this Easter.

"I feel I am a sensible candidate who can debate well and put my point across in a clear and well-presented way."

He said that, having worked for Pembrokeshire County Council for 20 years, he also had a good understanding of local politics.

Mayor of Neyland, Cllr Simon Hancock, said: "I would like to warmly welcome Jon Sutton as a member of the town council.

"He is a real live wire and we have the capacity as a council to really get things done.

"We have a full complement of members whose skills really work well together."