SOME of us will be heading for the polling station next Thursday (May 6).

And in one election, a teenager is hoping to become the country's youngest councillor.

Standing in his way in the Trull, Pitminster and Corfe by-election for a seat on Somerset West and Taunton Council will be a councillor of many years' experience and the only candidate local to the patch.

Among those hoping to attract your vote for the vacancy left by the resignation in February of Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Hill will be the 18-year-old chairman of the Labour party in Taunton Deane.

Samuel Booker, a previous president of the student union at Exeter University, was just 17 when he took up the post in the local Labour party.

Mr Booker, who is currently studying for an Open University degree, said: "I don't see my age as a barrier.

"The party members have been willing to advice and guide me.

"There's been nothing of, 'You're too young to be doing this'."

He says he wants to represents Trull, Pitminster and Corfe as his partner used to live there and has fond memories of the area.

"I want to diversify the representation. I want to campaign for a permanent solution for Canonsgrove (a temporary refuge for homeless people).

"I want to stand up for the whole area. Councillors tend to represent the people who elect them and not the entire electorate.

"At local level, party politics isn't what's required for local people. We need people to work in the interests of the area or parish."

The Liberal Democrat candidate Dawn Johnson believes she has an advantage as the only candidate who lives locally.

She said: "I am delighted to have been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the upcoming Trull, Pitminster and Corfe by-election.

"I am the only local candidate, living in Staplehay.

"I have lived in the village for 22 years with my children attending the local school.

"I have represented the community on a number of committees including Trull Party in the Park, Trull School PTA, Trull Tennis Club and Trull Players and am currently working as a Trull parish councillor.

"Through this work I have developed strong relationships with many across the ward, have historic knowledge of issues that have required dealing with and hold an awareness of what is of value to people in this ward.

"From the many conversations I am having on the doorsteps I know that this local connection is greatly valued.

"I will always put my residents’ concerns first."

The Conservative hope is John Thorne, previously a Taunton Deane Council member for the Blackdown ward hoping to return to the Deane House.

He is a county councillor for Blackdown and Neroche and a Wellington town councillor.

He said: "I am a strong and experienced councillor with a track record of standing up and speaking out for the people I represent, making sure their voice is heard.

"I have been the Somerset county councillor for Pitminster and Corfe for the past four years and I also serve on the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership helping to protect and enhance our beautiful countryside.

"I understand the day to day issues that matter most to local people and the pressures of trying to keep a roof over one’s head and put food on the family table, especially during the pandemic.

"I understand because I am a single parent to two young sons and have been working as a cleaner on national minimum wage since before lockdown happened a year ago.

"I will look for the best value possible in every pound of council taxpayer money the district council spends."

In another election, Anthony Berry (Independent) and Roger Thomas (Conservative) are vying to be selected to represent Alcombe South ward on Minehead Town Council.

Elsewhere, people nominated to become councillors will not suffer a nervous wait for the results.

That's because a number of councillors have been elected unopposed.

Among them are Minehead Twon Council members Michael Burke (Independent) and Richard Willis, in Minehead Central, and Emily Jones in Minehead Town Periton and Woodcombe.

Martin Brake has also been freed from canvassing as he has been elected unopposed to Watchet Town Council.

But no need to feel you are missing out if there isn't a local council election in your patch.

You've still got the chance to pop along to your local polling station to cast your vote in the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election.

Sue Mountstevens is standing down after nine years in the role.

The poll is usually held every four years, but Ms Stevens continued in the post for an extra year due to the pandemic.

Whoever wins the election will be responsible for appointing the chief constable, who they will hold to account for the performance of the force's officers and staff.

Other tasks include providing a link between police and communities, overseeing community safety and crime reduction and setting the force's budget.

Your choice on the ballot paper will be between Cleo Lake (Green); Kerry Barker (Labour); Mark Shelford (Conservative); Heather Shearer (Liberal Democrat); and John Smith (Independent).