THE Green Party has announced its candidate for Darlington in the forthcoming General Election will be Michael Cherrington.

Following the increased profile of the Green Party nationally, a Green Party group for Darlington has officially been formed, with the intention of fielding a candidate in each ward for elections to Darlington Borough Council, as well as contesting the Darlington constituency.

The Darlington Green Party group is looking for people to help them campaign in the town or who are willing to stand for council.

Mr Cherrington, who lives in the town and works in social care, said he had seen the negative impact of cuts to health and social care on people living in Darlington.

He added: "I have served vulnerable people in communities for the past twenty years and have and will continue to ensure that inequality levels are challenged so all Darlington residents have good opportunities and benefit from a better quality of life.

"People must be at the centre of all activity - I will ensure I listen to your concerns and needs.”

The Darlington Green Party group launched its campaign with a stall on High Row on Saturday and is campaigning on the grounds of social justice and long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

To contact the Green Part in Darlington email darlingtongreens@gmail.com or call 01325-242498. The group can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

The General Election will take place on May 7.

The parliamentary candidate for Labour is sitting MP Jenny Chapman, the Conservative Party candidate is Peter Cuthbertson and the candidate for UKIP is David Hodgson.

No other parties have declared their prospective parliamentary candidate for Darlington.