OKEHAMPTON Town Council has co-opted two new councillors to its cohort, giving the authority a full complement for the first time in more than a year.

The council chose to co-opt Julie Yelland and Ben Stevens to the council at a special meeting on January 13. Before the meeting, the council had 14 seats, but only 12 members.

Over a number of months the council appealed to the community to find residents to come aboard the council. Letters and forms were sent to local community groups to distribute, in the hope that applicants could be found. After six enquires, two formal applications were made — from Mrs Yelland and Mr Stevens.

Speaking of Mrs Yelland, Cllr Kevin Ball said: 'I know the applicant through a charity I have worked with. She was really the engine room of what was going on, and I am very happy to support her application and think she will make a good councillor.'

Councillors have encountered Mr Stevens through his involvement with the cadets and the Royal British Legion. He has carried the legion's standard during their Remembrance Sunday parade.

Cllr Charles Letchford said: 'I was impressed with the reason why the applicant said he wanted to join the council —­ not only to be a part of the community, but to be responsible for it. It is good to hear young people speaking of responsibility for community and he seems to be a good candidate.'

The town council consists of the full council and four committees; planning, policy and resources, parks and property. Meetings are held most Monday evenings in the council chamber in Okehampton Town Hall.

Councillors are expected to attend all full council meetings, of which there are around six a year. They are then chosen to sit on one or more of the committees.

Members are entitled to attend all council meetings if they wish. A list of the weekly meetings and supporting agenda is advertised on the council's notice board in The Arcade and on the council website, http://www.okehampton.gov.uk">www.okehampton.gov.uk

Meetings are formal events, and open to the public so anyone can attend to ask a question or just sit and listen to the workings of the council.

The two applicants will now have to sign a declaration to formally become councillors.