FURTHER to comments from the UKIP candidate in the Berry Hill election, I feel I need to put the record straight about my friend and candidate, Tim Gwilliam.

Let me state now that, as chair of FANS, I am not politically aligning myself with the Labour party – our committee is made up of a politically diverse cross-section of the community, and needs to stay that way.

However, I have known Tim Gwilliam since he was four years old. The fact that he was head boy of Lakers school is relevant in that he was the son of a very decent freeminer, who brought up five children in very financially dire circumstances, on his own after the death of his wife, when the children were small.

It is a testament to both his father's constant hard work and love, in very trying circumstances, and to Tim's intelligence, that he got the accolades he did. In those days, it was a way of being able to get a fair chance in life, and gave hope to other youngsters, who might have otherwise given up.

Tim is a Forester through and through, and has stayed in Berry Hill. He has been a committed rugby player for the rugby club, albeit his abilities on the field questionable!

He is a strong, independent thinker, who will stand up and be counted, never hesitating to put himself on the line when the needs of the community require.

I know that he is standing, not for himself, but because he has a deep understanding of his community, and really cares.

As one of the main instigators of the drive to keep Five Acres safe from housing development, both through West Dean Parish Council, and FANS, he is already showing his worth to Berry Hill.

– Jamie Elsmore, Berry Hill.