My name is Charlotte and I've lived in Welton for pretty much all my life. So we can safely say I've put down roots in this town. My grandad and dad both farmed the land here in Welton and now I run the farm as a nursery school promoting nature connection and play based learning for children up to 5 years of age.

If successful I'd like to use my place on the local council to champion the needs of families with young children, children with additional needs and disabilities, marginalised children and children and families from diverse backgrounds. I feel I have some insight into the challenges they might face in feeling connected and engaged within our local community.

Also as a local business person, I'd like to collaborate and enable projects with local charities and CICs that are working hard in challenging circumstances to support local families to access the outdoors; joining the dots and introducing and facilitating brilliant projects.

Finally, as a farmer's daughter, I care deeply for the planet and I recognise our children will be growing up living with the impact of a global climate crisis. I would like to partner with local wildlife groups, families and organisations that see the need to tackle this huge problem with small, achievable and sustainable steps and work collaboratively, with a forward thinking mindset to ensure our environment thrives.

In a nutshell I would like to go back to basics and focus on community and belonging. If we all feel connected within our communities then we can work together smoothly to instil hope for the future.

Some little known facts about me:

1) My Channel 5 membership number was 554 (I still have the card)

2) I played as a mediocre mid-field player for the mighty Mendip Ladies hockey team for about 15 years.

3) I've been in Fat Sams (albeit 22 years ago)

Thank you for your time,

Good luck to all the other candidates,

Charlotte