A WOMAN who has lived most of her life in Millom has taken on a public role in the hope of making a difference to her community.

Councillor Rachel Costelloe has become the newest member of Millom Town Council after taking over the reins from Wayne Ruddy, who resigned earlier this year.

The 48-year-old was born in Barrow but moved to Millom at a very early age and studied at both Black Combe Junior School and Millom School.

An avid sportswoman, Cllr Costelloe travelled far and wide competing for her school before taking up an apprenticeship at Barrow shipyard and progressing to become a configuration engineer.

During this time, Cllr Costelloe commuted to Barrow every day but refused to move.

She said: "I like Millom but I think if you're born and bred here you don't appreciate it. People I've spoken to who have moved here say we're so lucky and we are.

"We've got the sea one side and the fells the other and we're only 20 minutes away from Coniston so we're in the Lakes straight away, but we have no problems with tourism or expensive house prices. It's the best of both worlds."

The beautiful location and scenery around the Millom area is a huge draw for Cllr Costelloe who enjoys getting out and about with her four-year-old golden labrador, Holly.

Cllr Costelloe said: "I'm a dog person. She's my world. We've never been abroad since we've had dogs, we've always holidayed in this country and taken them with us.

"Millom is a great place to walk if you've got dogs. We go to the beach, the woods, the slag bank - you name it."

The other main figure in Cllr Costelloe's life is her husband of 21 years, Wayne.

Like his wife, Mr Costelloe wasn't born in Millom. He was originally from Cleator Moor but moved to the town when he was a child and has stayed ever since.

Cllr Costelloe works at The Conservative Club in Lapstone Road as the club administrator but was encouraged to take on this new role by an existing member of the council.

She said: "I hope I'm approachable enough for people to come to me and tell me things so I can take them to the council and try to make a bit of a difference."

Cllr Costelloe has highlighted a number of things she would like to try and achieve through her position including better roads, better facilities at the park and more things for younger children to do.

However, most of all Cllr Costelloe is determined to do all she can for her beloved community and the people in it.

She said: "A lot of what's special about Millom is the people. The fact that if you forget to lock your door your stuff will still be there when you get back and if you walk the street people will say hello.

"I like Millom. I wouldn't stay if I didn't. I'd never leave it. It's me. I'm a Millomite, this is my home and this is exactly where I want to be."