A former regional daily journalist is bidding to become a councillor on his old patch.

Chris Dixon, who served as district news editor at Blackpool-based daily The Gazette from 2012 to 2016, is standing in a Fylde Council by-election for the Conservative Party.

The by-election was triggered by the death of former council leader David Eaves, who stood down from his Ansdell seat in April for health reasons and died two months later.

Since leaving The Gazette, Chris has worked as senior case worker for Fylde’s Tory MP Mark Menzies.

In a message to voters, Chris said: “It is vital we keep Ansdell at the forefront of minds at Fylde Council.

“Ansdell is looking fantastic at the moment thanks to the efforts of the In Bloom team, volunteers at the train station and the Friends of Lytham Library, who have all worked so hard to improve the area.

“I want to make sure fly-tipping is stopped and cleared up quickly should it happen, and to make sure potholes are filled in quickly. I promise to fight for the very best for Ansdell.”

Chris, pictured above, will face competition for the seat from Labour’s Gareth Nash.

Voters will go to the polls in Ansdell on Thursday 2 August.