The new councillor for a Furness town has made it his mission to engage with the local people and take his new role step-by-step to ensure a better future.

After being elected as the borough councillor for Dalton South at Friday's by-election, Labour's Shaun Blezard  is keen to work with the town folk to take the town from strength to strength.

Mr Blezard has said that he hopes for a higher turnout at the next elections, and that he wants to be proactive in taking on local topics and issues.

He said: "What I would love to see is a much higher turnout at the next elections and work alongside people to engage with local issues and how we can deal with them.

"It is about listening to start with and see what I can do to help. It is a great community in Dalton and it is going to be interesting to see what we can do.

"I am just looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and getting stuck in."

The new councillor also wants to bring the determined nature behind his campaign into his new role, highlighting that being proactive in tackling local issues is the way he wants to be.

He added: "It is seeing how I can fit in within the region as well as my constituency.

"You go into these things and it is like starting a new job. You learn the ropes, and you listen to other people."

Labour leader for Barrow Borough Council, Councillor Dave Pidduck, said that it can feel strange becoming a councillor, but that Councillor Blezard  will get all the support and guidance he needs to excel in his role.

Councillor Pidduck said: "It is strange when you are first elected, it is like being back on your first day at school.

"He is new to the council so obviously when we select a candidate we brief them and we have mentors that look after new councillors so they are not thrown in at the deep end."

"We are sure that Shaun will help Dalton to the best of his ability and that he will be a great asset for the town."