Dorchester's new town councillor will take her seat at the July meeting on Monday.

Kate Reid won the recent Dorchester East by-election with an increased majority for the Liberal Democrat party, polling more than double the votes of the Green Party candidate who came second.

The seat was also contested by Labour, the Conservatives and an independent candidate after an election caused by the resignation of Tony Lyall following a disagreement with the Lib Dem group.

Ms Reid's victory means the Lib Dems maintain their 17 seats on the council with the other three places being held by independent councillors.

Born in Dorchester, she moved away to find a career, serving in the Army for 21 years.

She has lived in Fordington for the last six years with husband, Andy, two teenage daughters and a golden retriever.

She is a long-term supporter of the Dorset Wildlife Trust and STAND, the local group which opposes up to 4,000 homes on land to the north of the county town.

Ms Reid is now self-employed in homeopathy, which she says is "interesting and life-affirming." She has also worked in the clothing industry which started her interest in recycling and circular economy thinking.

As a family they are hosts for Dorset Nightstop, part of Action for Children, supporting homeless 16-25 year olds by offering emergency accommodation.

Said Ms Reid: "I'm interested in the urban environment, how public space and facilities are accessed and used; provisions for young people; engagement and sense of community and I've met local councillors who work on these things and have similar values and have been impressed with their positive approach and what they achieve.

"I am hoping to encourage the involvement of younger people into local politics and volunteering – everyone has something of value to contribute and gains benefit from engaging."