A retired arts teacher has become the latest addition to Attleborough Town Council.

Janet Sparke was co-opted after winning vote by five votes to three over fellow applicant Phil Spiby at Monday's full council meeting at the town hall.

Mrs Sparke said she was delighted to join the council as she had a keen interest in what was going on in Attleborough.

She said: 'I have always enjoyed living here and it is good to put something back into the town.

'I am hoping to help out with the Attleborough in Bloom team, and among other things, it would be nice to help promote the Attleborough market.

'It is early days yet I will have to see where I can fit in and help.'

Mrs Sparke has lived in Attleborough for 40 years - 35 in London Road and the last five in Ellingham Road. She is married to Garth, a retired aircraft engineer, and has one adult daughter, Jacqueline, who lives in Florida.

She has been an active member of the Women's Institute, the carnival committee and is a former governor of Chapel Road School. About 10 years ago Mrs Sparke started an art society in Attleborough called Artline, which is still running.