Axminster Town Council has welcomed two new members to represent the Weycroft ward.

Steve Holt and Ollie Tucker were co-opted to the council during a virtual meeting this week after standing to fill casual vacancies in Weycroft.

At age 18, Mr Tucker becomes the town's youngest ever councillor and one of the youngest in the entire country - one of only 0.6% of councillors nationally under the age of 25.

He is a foodbank volunteer and has been selected as a Labour candidate for the Devon County Council elections in May.

Mr Tucker was present at the meeting for his co-option on Monday night, saying his priorities would be creating opportunities for young people and rebuilding the community after the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Holt is well known in the town as an active campaigner for Axminster Hospital and for his work with Axminster Community Emergency Response (ACER), which was set up to help vulnerable residents during the pandemic.

The Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, congratulated both new members and said she looked forward to working with them in future.

They will officially become council members after signing their declarations of acceptance of office.

There ares till four vacancies on Axminster Town Council. Those interested in standing should contact the council office by emailing [email protected] or call 01297 32088 for more details.