MOTHER-of-five Mary Dhonau has been selected by the Liberal Democrats to stand in Worcester at the next general election.

Mrs Dhonau, who has been an active campaigner for better flood protection, has been selected by the party to challenge the present incumbent, Labour's Mike Foster.

She admitted she once considered joining the Labour Party, but now sees the Liberal Democrats as more in line with her beliefs.

"The more I looked at Labour's record, and the more I learned about the Lib Dem's manifesto pledges, the more certain I became that it was the Lib Dems for me," she said.

"I'm new to politics, so I expect it won't be plain sailing, but I've said all along that I'll continue to speak my mind and speak up for Worcester people."

Mrs Dhonau joins the Conservative's Margaret Harper in challenging Mr Foster for the Worcester seat at the poll which is expected to be in May.

Despite only three Liberal Democrats making up the 35-seat city council, Mrs Dhonau is expected to be a strong challenger to Mr Foster's 5,766 majority. She is well-known for her work to improve flooding safeguards, her opposition to the MMR vaccine and to the county council's special needs education review.

However, she will need a hefty swing to propel her into power as the Liberal Democrats came third in 2001, with 12.6 per cent of the vote in the Worcester constituency.

A statement by the Labour Party said: "We welcome Mrs Dhonau's selection for her latest preference, the Liberal Democrats, just as in 2001, when she asked to join the Labour Party we welcomed that too.

"We look forward to her explaining how her party's policy of lowering the legal age to buy and consume alcohol to just 16, will reduce anti-social behaviour.

"We also look forward to her explaining why the Liberal Democrats are so soft on crime, voting against powers to disperse teenage gangs and clamp down on graffiti artists, but are willing to give those in prison the vote."