A LOCAL ‘youth champion’ and a mum-of-three will battle it out for a seat on Milford Haven Town Council this month.

Following the recent retirement of Graham Warlow, who joined the town council in 2011 but decided to step down due to illness, the town’s Hubberston seat is up for grabs again.

Determined to make his voice heard and stand up for the youth of Milford Haven is 18-year-old Rhys Evans, from Milford Haven.

Having been involved in youth politics since he was 10, Rhys has represented Pembrokeshire at the House of Commons, and worked with the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

A former member of Hubberston Youth Club, if elected Rhys is keen to help safeguard the centre for the community.

Using the skills he has gained on various youth councils, Rhys also hopes to help the council engage with young people via social media, while not turning his back on “good old fashioned meeting face to face”.

“If I become town councillor for Hubberston I pledge to always listen and represent the concerns and ideas of those that live in the ward,” said Rhys.

Also standing for the first time is 37-year-old Rose Gray, who lives in Hubberston with her husband Jonny and three children Bobby, Ollie and Lillirose.

Rose volunteers as a support worker for debt counselling service Christians Against Poverty, and as a classroom assistant for the Springboard project on family learning courses at Hakin Community School.

Asked why she decided to put herself forward, she said: “My son Bobby has 47 XYY Syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that affects his co-ordination and motor skills - and over the past 4 years I’ve had to fight for the things he needs.

“I’ve met lots of people who have been let down by the system and don’t have anyone representing them.

“I would like the chance to represent the people in my area with the issues they face.”

The election will be held on Thursday, October 23.