PARTY leaders find it hard enough to persuade young people to vote. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that men and women in their 20s have shown little sign of wanting to be actively involved in local politics.

Hopefully, however, there are signs in Swindon at least that this might be about to change.

The four people featured today on these pages have shown that you do not have to be a humourless stuffed shirt to serve the community as a local councillor.

They happen to be Conservatives. But whatever our personal political affiliations we should all acknowledge that it is refreshing to find young blood beginning to flow through the arteries of local government.

Nobody with any sense would dismiss the experience and commitment of some of the people who have served this town for years. Long may they continue.

But we should welcome the enthusiasm and new ideas of young councillors who lead the kind of lives enjoyed by other people their age.

Hopefully there will be others, of every political colour.