A former farmer and power station worker has joined the race to become the new county councillor for the Pembroke St Michael Ward.

David Owen, aged 58, has declared himself an independent candidate for the seat that became vacant following the untimely death of Cllr John Allen.

Asked if he would join the ruling Independent Group on the council if his campaign was successful, Mr Owen told the Western Telegraph: "I have not got any intention of joining the Independent Group.

"Obviously for practical reasons I may have to work closely with independent members - I think the two neighbouring wards are independents for example, but I have no intention of joining the card-carrying Independent Group, that's not the reason I decided to stand."

The married father of four added: "I am standing as an independent candidate because I firmly believe that at county council level, the job of a councillor is simply to represent all the people.

"You help solve their problems, support their ideas and projects in an unbiased and objective way to the benefit of the whole community, no matter what their political persuasion may be at national level."

The election takes place tomorrow (Thursday). The candidates are: Aden Brinn (Conservative); David Edwards (Labour); David Owen (Independent); Gareth Jones (Liberal Democrat).