Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats have selected their candidate for the Westdene by-election.

The city council ward became vacant after the death of Conservative councillor John Drake.

Don McBeth, 58, will stand for the Lib Dems on May 16.

The computing and IT systems lecturer has lived in Brighton all his life and stood in local elections for the Liberals and Lib Dems for 30 years.

Mr McBeth said he had a special interest in environmental issues affecting the South-East, especially urban encroachment on to the South Downs.

George Mallender, who is known as Richard, will represent the Green Party, Malcolm Prescott will be the Labour candidate and Ken Norman will stand for the Tories.