Steve Bell is a Conservative councillor representing the people of Woodingdean and has been a president of the Conservative Party and served in the Queen’s Regiment.

What is your favourite place in Sussex?

All of our beautiful coastline as I enjoy the views while walking, which are constantly changing due to the seasons.

What do you love most about living in Sussex?

Having been born in London, the peace and quiet of living in Woodingdean

What advice do you have for your 12-year-old self?

To study harder. If I had then I wouldn’t have had to attend night school and resit my exams.

What is your most valued possession?

I have many but a cigarette case which belonged to my uncle during WW2 and bears the dent where a bullet passed through his webbing and lodged against it.

What is your biggest regret?

Do not do regrets, experiences in life are all about learning and although I have had many times when things didn’t go to plan, I have always look for the positives.

What is your biggest fear?

Sadly I am not fearful which I don’t believe to be a good thing.

What is your proudest achievement?

It has to be my CBE, as from my humble beginnings as a barrow boy in London to achieve being a Commander of the British Empire was beyond my greatest expectations.

Which five people (living or dead) would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Boadicea; not many females in our early British history have stood out as much as her.

Duke of Wellington; not only to discuss the Peninsular Wars, but his experiences of being prime minister twice.

Sir Winston Churchill; an outstanding leader of our country who had so many life experiences both in the military and politics.

James Hunt F1 world champion: I have always really loved the sport of F1, the thrill, the skill and the risks. He was a true champion who pushed the rules and himself to the limits.

Barry Sheene GP world champion; having been motorbike and speed mad all of my life, what better dinner guest could I invite.