A town centre shop owner says she is ‘over the moon’ after being elected to Royston Town Council yesterday.

Independent candidate Laura Whitford, who owns shop No.3 Royston in Melbourn Street and runs the craft fair every month at Royston Town Hall, secured 381 votes, beating off competition from Labour candidate Amy Bourke-Waite who bagged 273 votes.

Both women were running in the by-election for the position left by former Crow editor Councillor Les Baker, who sadly passed away in May.

Laura, who lives with her husband David and four-year-old son Jeremy, previously worked in international communications, before becoming a social worker and then assistant manager.

The 40-year-old said: “I’m absolutely over the moon and humbled that so many people took the time to vote for me.

“Living in Royston has honestly changed my life so the chance to be able to give something back to the community is amazing.

“I’ve got huge shoes to fill but will do my utmost to make a positive difference to our lovely town.”