FOUR candidates are in the running to succeed John Burnett as standard bearer for the Liberal Democrats in West Devon and Torridge.

The names were not officially released by the party, but they are understood to be Julian Brazil, Alan Connett, Terrye Jones and David Walter.

Julian Brazil, 39, fought Falmouth-Camborne for the Liberal Democrats in the 2001 general election; Alan Connett, 41, the leader of Teignbridge District Council fought Plymouth Sutton at the last general election; Terrye Jones, 50, fought Falmouth-Camborne in 1992 and 1997, and David Walter, 55, a former television reporter, works for the Liberal Democrats as director of party political broadcasting and media training.

The four were selected from a list of 18 candidates by a representative group of party members in the constituency.

Each submitted a detailed written application then gave a presentation and was interviewed by the group.

The four will now canvass local members of the party and circulate campaign material to them.

They will then take part in 'hustings' at Torrington's Howe Music Centre and Tavistock's Alexander Centre this Saturday where members' votes will decide who will fight the seat.

West Devon and Torridge's current MP, Liberal Democrat John Burnett, decided earlier this year not to seek re-election.

He won the seat in the 1997 general election and held it four years later with a majority of just under 1,200 votes over the Conservatives.