BROMSGROVE'S Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate fighting the town seat at the General Election, has launched his campaign.

Bart Ricketts was selected at the end of February to fight the seat against sitting incumbent Sajid Javid at May's election.

The candidate was born in Worcester and grew up in Droitwich.

He studied at Sacred Heart College and Worcester Sixth Form College. He also represented Worcester at athletics, running and cycling for charity, and trains with the Black Pear Joggers.

Mr Ricketts later studied environmental management and business at Kingston University where he served as president of the students’ union.

He became seriously interested in politics after meeting Paddy Ashdown at the union, and served two successful terms as a Kingston metropolitan borough councillor including a term as deputy lord mayor that gave him the opportunity to support local charities.

Mr Ricketts is a chartered waste manager and a professional member of the chartered managers institute, working environmental charities.

He said he is an enthusiastic campaigner for the environment and renewable energy, passionate about recycling and reuse, and described himself as "gregarious, dedicated and busy".

He will appearing at the Artrix, in School Drive, from 11am this Saturday, March 7, where he will be available to chat to the public.

For more details visit facebook.com/libdemsbromsgrove, or visit libdems.org.uk.