A MAN who has helped many young people in Westhoughton is now hoping to be of assistance to a wider section of the community.

Steve Greer was elected a member of the town's council after winning a by-election held for the Wingates ward.

The Liberal Democrat is a community worker with young people and is a main player at the Youth Drop -In, which offers advice and organises events for teenagers in Westhoughton. Steve, who pipped Labour candidate Lawrence Owens to the post by 179 votes to 176, said: "I would like to thank everyone for their support and to everyone who took the time and trouble to go and vote in the by-election. I will do the best I can to serve the people of the Wingates and Fourgates area." Westhoughton town council leader Cllr David Wilkinson, said he was pleased Mr Greer had won the election.

He added: "He is a local resident of the area and I'm sure he will be a conscientious and hard-working councillor.

"Steve has for many years shown his commitment to community activities and is currently a community worker with young people in Westhoughton."

Conservative candidate Jonathan Barry came third in the by-election with 37 votes.

The result now leaves Westhoughton Town Council with 11 Liberal Democrat councillors and one Labour councillor.