THE husband of a popular Wyre Forest district councillor who died unexpectedly last month is to stand in the by-election for her Kidderminster seat.

John Aston announced his intention to stand as the Conservative Party's candidate for Aggborough and Spennells by saying he wanted to carry on his wife Maureen's good work - but did not want any sympathy votes.

He said he had policies of his own that he would promote, as well as continuing his wife's work, and believed his bid for election would be the "finest way to remember Maureen."

The 63-year-old, who has lived in Fieldfare Court, Spennells, since the couple married 18 years ago, said: "Maureen was one of the most dedicated people I have ever known.

"She always put the interests of her constituents before herself and loved the council and people she represented."

The businessman, who runs his own cleaning company, added: "I know I can't take up all her policies and I must have issues of my own but I'd just like to keep our name going in politics."

He added: "It's helping me to cope with what's happened because I have some very bad days.

"If I can retain the seat that she worked so hard for I feel I'm accomplishing something."

Leader of the district's Conservative Party, Councillor Stephen Clee, said: "Maureen was enormously popular both on the council and in her ward and we are delighted John has volunteered to stand."

Other potential candidates for the seat have from tomorrow until Friday, September 30, to submit nomination papers, which need the backing of 10 of the ward's electorate.

The by-election is set for Thursday, October 27, when 5,350 eligible voters will be able to vote at the polling station at Spennells Youth Centre, Warbler Place or at the Kidderminster Sea Scouts HQ in Hoo Road.

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Returning Officer, Wyre Forest District Council, Civic Centre, Stourport, Worcestershire DY13 8UJ or by calling 01562 732739.

The same telephone number can be called for application forms for postal and proxy application forms, which can also be downloaded from the council's website www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk

Mrs Aston, who was 62 when she died, was also a Kidderminster Charter Trustee and the district council cabinet member for housing, health and rural affairs.