LABOUR members of Craven District Council have announced they are to fight seats on North Yorkshire County Council at May's local elections.

Cllr Peter Madeley, who represents Skipton West on Craven District Council will fight the county council's Skipton West seat, currently held by Cllr Andy Solloway; while fellow Skipton councillor, Chris Rose, will stand in Skipton East - currently held by Cllr Robert Heseltine.

Cllr Bill Mercer, who represents Cowling on the district council, will contest the Airedale seat, currently held by Cllr Patrick Mulligan, who is deputy leader of Craven District Council.

Meanwhile, Mike Rose, from Settle, will be standing for Labour in Ribblesdale, the seat currently held by Richard Welch, who represents Settle on the district council. In addition, John Pope will be standing in Mid-Craven - currently represented by Cllr Sheelagh Marshall, while Aaron Tattersall-Jarvis will be hoping to unseat Philip Barrett in South Craven.

Cllr Madeley said: “Last year Labour candidates made a strong showing across Craven. We now have three district councillors and we are starting to put real pressure on the Tory administration.

“We aim to carry that forward in the county council elections showing that Labour stands up for local people."

He added that North Yorkshire was the largest county in England and faced particular challenges.

"North Yorkshire has exceptional needs, in terms of health and social care, education and transport for instance. But far from recognising those needs the Tory government has imposed cuts on local authorities even greater than those on services provided centrally. What Craven needs is a strong Labour presence at county hall," he said.

The last day for nominations to North Yorkshire County Council is April 4. All seats on the council will be re-elected at the local elections on May 5. There are no Craven District Council elections this year.