A FOREST councillor could be named the best in the country.

Cllr Tim Gwilliam, the Labour councillor for Berry Hill, is one of five politicians from across the country in line for the district councillor of the year.

Tim, who has been a parish councillor since 2010, has been a West Dean district councillor since 2013 after replacing stalwart ?Helen Stewart following her death.

He told the Review: “It’s a huge honour and a great thrill even to be nominated, I was stunned to be shortlisted as there were nearly 200 nominations. I’m not sure who put my name forward, but I have an inkling it could be to do with Berry Hill community orchard.”

Tim is chair of the orchard committee which, as the Review reported last week, has just won a national award for its contribution to the environment and community. Tim was also active in the campaign to save the Five Acres site for community use following the news that the college was relocating to Cinderford. He’s now part of the West Dean and Coleford Regeneration Board set up to oversee developments at the site.

Tim said: “I’m also proud of my involvement with the Neighbourhood Development Plan which is about to go to the council for approval, before a referendum is held for local people. The community orchard came out of the consultation for that and has been a huge success. Another project has been Berry Hill playground where we have been applying for grants for more equipment.”

Tim works full-time as a neighbourhood assistant for Two Rivers Housing and lives with his wife, Lisa, and two sons.

He added: “I’m really pleased with how it’s gone as district councillor over the last three years but any councillor is only as good as the community they work with.

“I’m lucky to work with some really great people. When we opened the orchard everyone got involved – the church, the rugby club and we even had art exhibitions. This is the greatest place on earth and what better place to represent? My dad was a freeminer, I’ve lived here all my life and now I’m representing the people I grew up with. It’s such an honour.”

The ceremony for the Local Government Information Unit’s Councillor Achievement awards takes place in London on November 1.