New town clerk of Sandwich Melanie Kingshott was delighted when she was offered the job.

She said: "I love Sandwich! It has so much history, it is a nice place to work and I love how it is like a family."

Miss Kingshott, 27, who follows in the footsteps of Tracey Ward, was officially appointed at Monday’s town council meeting.

She added: "I am very pleased to be the new town clerk. I have worked for the council for almost eight years, starting as an administration assistant and then assistant to the town clerk."

For seven years Miss Kingshott, who lives in Deal, has been studying for exams to successfully climb up the career ladder to become deputy town clerk.

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury, December 22.