THE TALENTS and traits of hardworking immigrants should be harnessed for the good of Darlington, says a Polish election candidate.

By standing for election, Dorota Lulek is positioning herself as the bridge between Darlington’s substantial Polish community and its neighbours.

With a focus on community, integration and support, Ms Lulek hopes to bring people together to benefit the town, saying its Polish immigrants have much to offer in terms of skill and talent.

The 38-year-old has lived in Darlington for more than eight years and hopes to set an example to others by taking an active role in her adopted community.

Standing in the Eastbourne ward, Ms Lulek has pledged to prioritise integration and create opportunities for Darlington by improving its relationship with the Polish community.

She also hopes to establish a focus group for Polish women in a bid to improve opportunities and encourage them to showcase their skills.

The factory worker said: “There are about 10,000 Polish people in Darlington and they just want the normal things in life.

“We are all the same all over the world, there’s good and bad in everyone – there are some fantastic, talented and well educated people in our community but it’s sometimes hard for them to show that off.

“I’d like to prove that Polish people have something to offer and I’d encourage them to show the best of themselves, be braver and integrate more.

“We want to do what we can to help the town and I want to give something back as the town’s been good to me.”

She added: “Polish people are good, reliable hard workers and we want to prove that – I want the town to get to know our community, to use us and to see the best in us.”