KENDAL-born small-holder and councillor Peter Thornton has been chosen to fight the Penrith and The Border constituency for the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Thornton, who represents Kirkby Stephen on Cumbria County Council, declared himself ‘delighted’ to be chosen by local party members.

He said: “Penrith and The Border has suffered from successive governments simply forgetting that where we are!

“I will leave Westminster in no doubt that this part of the world is just as important as the South East of this country and that we will no longer be content with occasional handouts. We need affordable housing, better paid jobs and an upgraded transport system. Our part of Cumbria did not cause this financial crisis and we should not be suffering whilst others are coining in the cash.”

Mr Thornton, 58, attended Kendal Grammar School and spent most of his working life as a photographer.

He and his wife Hazel have a smallholding in Longsleddale where they keep Dexter cattle.

Mr Thornton is also an Eden councillor.