A FORMER councillor still campaigning to help the community has plans to stand as a Labour representative in the next election.

Community centre trustee, Martin Landers is keen to reprise his role as Red Hall councillor competing in Darlington's 2019 elections.

Mr Landers, who is still a key part of the community, is planning to tackle issues plaguing the area including, the problem of off-road motorcycles, and fighting the possible closure of the town's bowling green.

The 50-year-old, who served on Darlington Borough Council from 2011-2015 said: "I am a natural campaigner and have always been community minded and driven to improve things.

"I enjoy supporting individuals and community groups to address and solve problems that matter to them. I was originally drawn to stand as councillor by a passion for protecting and enhancing parks and open spaces."

An estimated 120 candidates will be competing against Mr Landers to earn one of the 50 council seats up for grabs.

Mr Landers is involved in several Red Hall projects and was instrumental in the success of Red Hall Community Centre when it increased its profits from £6,000 to £25,000, following the transfer of ownership to the community in 2012.

He said: "To me effective community representatives need a natural desire to get involved in voluntary and community activities, whether it’s helping to clean their back lane, serving as a school governor, or as I do, helping to run a community centre.

"In my book a good councillor needs to have natural empathy for people and have the ability to listen and understand, as well as talk. I particularly enjoy election time, knocking on doors and finding out first-hand what people care about and supporting them to make the changes they want to see.”

The next local government elections will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2019, where Mr Landers will campaign to win the community's vote.