Ellie Bland was elected to Calne Town Council in 2003 and last year she stood as a Conservative candidate in the Swansea East ward in the general election. She finished in third place.

Mrs Bland, who moved to Quemerford in 1998became a councillor after she believed no one was representing her views well enough at town level.

Earlier this year she won a new business award for her, fashion shop Sophisticatz in Wootton Bassett.

Mrs Bland set up the shop, which specialises in an array of women's clothing, in Apsley House Arcade in March.

Mrs Bland said at the time: "We are very sympathetic with sizes," she said. "The whole point is people are individually dressed here."

Mrs Bland was delighted to have won the £1,000 prize, but said the most important aspect of the night was seeing how many new and vibrant businesses are now around."There was a lot of very good businesses there," she said. "Within the business community, regardless of what you're selling or the town you're selling it in, everybody needs everybody else to keep fully supported."

She was born in Wales and said after her selection to the Swansea East ward in February last year: ""Swansea is a city which has had a massive regeneration over recent years and there are a lot of new issues."

Friend and fellow councillor, John Ireland said: "I think it's absolutely wonderful that she has been selected for the list of Conservative candidates in the first place and then chosen as the one.

"If she wins you will see her go places."

3:28pm Monday 6th November 2006

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