CONSERVATIVE Scott Mann says he is 'looking forward to making some noise' for North Cornwall in Westminster.

The 37-year-old former postman, who took the seat from the Liberal Democrats at last week's General Election, also said he would like to see an American-style 'Silicon Valley' in North Cornwall.

Mr Mann defeated sitting Liberal Democrat Dan Rogerson by more than 6,600 votes, contradicting poll predictions — a Lord Ashcroft poll two weeks before the election gave the Liberal Democrats a 2% lead.

Mr Mann said: "The Ashcroft poll I didn't think was truly reflective of what we were hearing on the doorstep or in the street. The poll that really counts is the democratic poll on May 7 and I am just absolutely thrilled that the people of North Cornwall selected me and I will work tirelessly for them in Westminster.

"I've been a district councillor and a Cornwall councillor and I've done my work on the council over the last eight years and I am looking forward to getting up to Westminster and making some noise for us down in North Cornwall."

After 20 years of delivering post to the residents of Rock, Mr Mann admitted he was 'sad' when he told his boss he would no longer be doing the rounds, but looked forward to starting his new role this week.

"We have a lot of work to do, but I have to tell you, it brought a little tear to my eye when I saw my uniform in the wardrobe in the morning. It's been 20 years working for the Royal Mail and I was a little bit sad when I had to ring my boss and tell him I wouldn't be in because it is a very worthwhile service to the community and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I couldn't have wished for a better employer.

"We do a huge community role and I will miss seeing those people on a day-to-day basis and I guess I'll be seeing other people and trying to do a very different job."

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