LIBERAL Democrat members in West Devon and Torridge have chosen Paula Dolphin as their prospective parliamentary candidate to fight the next general election.

Paula Dolphin is well known as a local campaigner and Cornwall councillor. She lives in Bude, just over the Devon border, where she has represented her local community on the town council for the last nine years and Cornwall Council since 2009.

Paula said: 'I am proud to have been chosen as the next Lib Dem parliamentary candidate.

'The communities in Torridge and West Devon have similar needs to those in north east Cornwall. Although the challenges might be similar, I have learnt and have great respect for Devon's individual history, tradition and way of life.

'Next year we will be showing the electors of Torridge and West Devon just how a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament will fight for them. I know that many of my friends living in the area well remember the excellent work of Lord John Burnett when he was our MP. I want to provide that same level of leadership and dedication.'

Speaking after the selection meeting in Tavistock, Lord Burnett said: 'Paula is a candidate with a proven record of winning. I am delighted she has been selected. I support her and wish her every success.'

Constituency chairman Trevor Johns said: 'We are delighted to have selected Paula Dolphin as our candidate. She has a record of delivery in her area and will make an excellent MP for this area. We all look forward to campaigning with her.'