New Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith wants children born in Clayton-le-Moors to have the same life opportunities as those living in the posh London borough of Chelsea.

The 38-year-old youth and charity worker, who regained the political weathervane seat for Labour by just 1,687 votes at July 4's General Election, spoke to Local Democracy Reporter Bill Jacobs as the House of Commons returned from recess this month about who she is and what she wants to achieve at Westminster.

The former Blackpool councillor was born in Birmingham but raised in North-East Scotland attending Chapel of Garioch Primary School and Inverurie Academy.

Mrs Smith met her husband James five years ago and married at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church in Rishton, where his late father Paul had been vicar for 18 years.

Whether you’re born in Clayton-le-Moors or Chelsea, every child should have a fair chance to succeed.

They have a dog called Orla and a young son Elijah, and raising aspirations and prospects for young people is at the core of what Mrs Smith wants to achieve during her time in Westminster.

Since winning her seat, Mrs Smith has been a vocal supporter of her party's policies on education and childcare.

It was after graduating with a law degree at London's Queen Mary University and moving to nearby Tower Hamlets that her political consciousness started to develop.

A keen footballer, Mrs Smith is looking forward to attending Accrington Stanley's matches, having already been to games at Wham Stadium since coming into her new role.

Family, friends and church are most important to me...

On what drew her to politics, Mrs Smith said: "After finishing university I started working in the City [of London] while volunteering in a youth club.

"I’d been involved in campaigns and volunteering at school and university, but it was the young people I met in that youth club that made me realise how unequal our country is, and how many young people are written off before they have a chance to succeed.

"I first got involved in politics because I believe it is wrong that the postcode in which you are born is the greatest predictor of your future life chances. That is what I am determined to change.

"Whether you’re born in Clayton-le-Moors or Chelsea, every child should have a fair chance to succeed.

It is vital that we are prepared to tackle illegal immigration and maintain strong borders.

"For every child to succeed they need to grow up in a decent home and live in a strong local economy where parents and carers can access good jobs.

"Over the last 15 years, I’ve held leadership roles at a number of different charities, all with the aim of improving outcomes for children and young people.

"I joined the Labour Party because I was angry with the early decisions of the Conservative-led coalition government to cut youth services.

"I’ve raised over £20 million for charities to fund youth activities.

"Most recently I led a big programme in Blackpool looking at the causes and solutions to youth unemployment.

We need higher paying jobs, and I also want to ensure that everyone has a decent home to live in.

"For too long there’s been a class ceiling for young people’s achievements.

"Under this government, we will work day and night so that young people are able to accomplish their ambitions regardless of their background."

Mrs Smith, also spoke about her interests and hobbies, saying: "Right now I’m pretty busy with being a mum and an MP but I’m keen on walking, running, and I used to do some sprint triathlons.

"Family, friends and church are most important to me, so finding time for all of these has to come first.

"I played a lot of football growing up so I am also looking forward to weekends in the Accrington Stanley stands."

On her wider political ambitions, she said: "I will work with the Labour council [in Hyndburn] to improve our high streets and to deliver an ambitious vision to turn the tide on the decades of decline.

"We need higher paying jobs as currently we’ve got some of the lowest average wages in the North-West.

"I also want to ensure that everyone has a decent home to live in. I’m keen to be a fierce advocate for residents facing challenges.

"In Altham for example, residents are rightly complaining about the stench from Whinney Hill tip, the swarms of seagulls it attracts and the mess that this causes. This isn’t acceptable.

"Throughout the General Election campaign, voters told me their concerns about immigration.

"It is vital that we are prepared to tackle illegal immigration and maintain strong borders.

"It is equally essential that those who enter the country legally, often fleeing from international crises, receive the necessary support."