HYNDBURN was today home to the youngest councillor in Britain after a 21-year-old university student was elected to represent Rishton in a by-election.

Claire Hamilton, who lives in Clayton-le-Moors with her mum and dad, joined the local Labour party two years ago.

Last night she took the Rishton seat from the Conservatives by just three votes.

Claire was encouraged to get actively involved in politics by her tutor at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston where she studies sociology and management.

She said: "I come from a family that has always talked about politics.

"But I was encouraged by my tutor at Preston to get involved in discussion session to build my confidence up."

Claire said it was her decision to stand for election but, according to the rules governing elections, she had to wait until she was 21.

The Rishton by-election was called following the death of June Butler from cancer.

Deputy leader of Hyndburn Council's Labour group, Councillor David Myles, said: "We need to attract younger people because we need their representation, we need their views and ideas.

"I think it is very important that we see younger people like Claire being elected."

Claire's election to the council means the political balance is now 19 Conservatives and 16 Labour.