A BLACK belt in karate requires strength, poise and mental toughness, earned through dedication and commitment.

But Paul Wiltshire aims to use his experience in the ancient fighting art to make his mark on Melksham Town Council.

Victory in Thursday's town ward by-election makes the Liberal Democrat Melksham's first black-belt councillor.

The second Dan karate teacher was thrilled at the result, fighting off competition from two other candidates to win a seat on the council.

Despite a turnout of just over 13 per cent, Cllr Wiltshire polled 183 votes 57 more than his nearest rival, Labour candidate Christopher Petty.

Cllr Wiltshire said he would use many of karate's mental rules in his decision-making. He said: "It makes you more determined, especially with the time it takes to get to second Dan level."

A teacher at Melksham Karate Club, Cllr Wiltshire is also a trustee at the Wiltshire School of Gymnastics. He said the youth of the town are suffering as a result of inadequate facilities and improving life for the younger generation would be one of his main aims.

In the second by-election held on Thursday, the Liberal Democrats scored a double coup. Jacqueline Wells was victorious despite a turnout of only ten per cent of voters. Polling 103 votes her only rival, Labour candidate Mohammed Uddin, was 50 votes behind.

The by-elections were called after the resignations of ill councillors Kim Haste and Brian Francis earlier this year. Mrs Haste is battling with the disease ME while Mr Francis is suffering from cancer.

Controversy dogged the elections after it was revealed a West Wiltshire Council boundary blunder meant 600 people placed in the wrong ward were unable to vote.