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

Paula Dolphin, who lives in Bude, is a Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor and former mayor of Bude-Stratton.

She said: "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."

Paula Dolphin was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to an English father and Italian-Portuguese mother. Her grandfather, Jaroslav Sodek, was a Czech pilot who came to the UK, joined the RAF and fought as a Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain.

She graduated as a Bachelor in Business Studies in 1992 at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Brazil, and worked for IBM as a senior administration assistant. She moved to the UK in 1995 and worked for several blue chip companies.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.