The newest addition to Attleborough Town Council hopes to carry on the work of his brother, who helped organise the town's Christmas tree and lights display for many years.

Joe Ellis, the brother of Geoff Ellis, who died in June aged 75, was co-opted onto the council at a meeting at the town hall on Monday.

Mr Ellis, 64, said he hoped to do as good a job for Attleborough as his did brother, who also served on the council.

He said: 'Before my brother passed on he said 'can you make sure you are there to do the tree?'

'I've lived in Attleborough and the surrounding area all my life and have kids and grandkids here. I want to see the town go forward.'

Mr Ellis runs a fabrication business in the town.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to Attleborough town councillor and former butcher Geoff EllisJacqueline Roper and Beverley Bulmer also applied to join the council. Councillors voted 4-4-5 in favour of Mr Ellis and mayor Jeremy Burton thanked everyone for their interest.

Mr Burton said: 'It was good to get three very good candidates.

'It shows it was a very close vote so thanks to those who weren't successful on this occasion.'

Election call

After the vote, Adrian Stasiak, Breckland councillor for Attleborough Burgh and Haverscroft Ward, called into question the town council's practice of co-opting new members rather than holding elections.

Mr Stasiak congratulated Mr Ellis on his role, and said: 'I have said many times, if there is more than one candidate there should be an election.

'Perhaps next time you will consider it.'