Computer expert John Lawton has become Malmesbury's youngest councillor following Thursday's elections.

Mr Lawton polled 725 votes, beating Abbey verger Bill Blake (353 votes) and retired businessman Harold Clarke (257 votes) to the seat on the council vacated by James Beesley, who was removed from the council after missing several meetings.

Mr Lawton, 36, of Gastons Road, Malmesbury, runs Harlequin Solutions support service for e-learning and is hoping that his experience in business can be of use to the town council.

He said: "I think all organisations can benefit from being made more efficient and I hope I can do something to help the council provide a better service for the people of Malmesbury."

Mr Lawton moved to Malmesbury nine years ago with his wife Kathy and serves on the town's carnival committee.

He said: "My main priorities are the re-opening of the town market and providing something for the young people as there is precious little for them to do."