Caroline Utting, 46, describes herself as a 'stay at home mum' who never really did anything with her Degree in Art History. However she came from very civic-minded parents and has always been interested in politics.

Until recently she has not belonged to a political party. She told The Ross Gazette that four years ago if anyone had told her that she would be a town councillor she would have laughed in their face. However things can change and in May this year Caroline was elected to represent the Ross West ward on Ross Town Council.

Caroline, her husband Julian and their two daughters moved to Ross in 2000 when Julian started working for Qinetiq in Malvern.

The couple met at the Ministry of Defence and have been married for 19 years.

Caroline wanted to get involved in the community and very much enjoyed working on the Town Plan and as a secretary for the Association of Ross Traders.

She saw the work that Councillors Chris Bartrum and Jane Roberts were doing and what they hoped to achieve in the town so, when a by-election was called, she decided to stand.

Since becoming a Councillor Caroline has realised that there are differences between the ways of working. She said: "In the Town Plan group and ART meetings are informal and there are no rules regarding who can speak or when. In Town Council meetings everything has to be on the agenda and it is a slower process with more consequences.

Caroline hopes that by becoming a Town Councillor she will be able to ensure that the Town Plan is adopted enthusiastically as she wants to see Ross thrive.

She wants to encourage other people to get involved in the Council and fully intends to stand for election again next year.