Early life: I grew up in North Cornelly, went to Kenfig Comprehensive and trained as a teacher in Hull.

Full statement

Career: For 38 years I taught in primary schools and specialist provision in Merthyr, Cardiff and Caerphilly. My additional roles included Forest School Practitioner, rugby coach and teaching children to grow fruit and vegetables. I also worked with children who were unable to attend school for a variety of reasons.

Local interest: Standing as a Councillor candidate in Pyle Kenfig Hill and Cefn Cribwr will take me full circle back to my roots. As a teenager I lived through the miner's strike and the heavy job losses at Port Talbot during the Thatcher government. It is a time that shaped my political views as a voter. In the last ten years I have become an active participant in politics, having realised that active participation in local and national government is too important to tut tut at without rolling up my sleeves and getting involved. Whoever you vote for, the most important thing you can do is vote. Please do not turn your back on voting. Women and the working classes fought for the right to vote. Be true to and honour the memory of your heritage by using your vote.

Personal interests: I have campaigned to protect green spaces from ill- judged developments in Cardiff. More recently I have participated in regular beach cleaning in Porthcawl. I volunteer in an ethical goods shop.

Recent life changes: I moved from Cardiff to Porthcawl, having retired from teaching last year

Political stance: I have been a member of the Green Party for years, and I am now in a position to devote my time to focus on protecting what is important to me. Our schools and our NHS are understaffed and in crisis. Our land, our food supplies and our waterways are in need of substantial attention and investment. We must act now as a community to save our planet for our future generations.

By electing the first Wales Green Party Local Councillor of Bridgend County Borough Council will send a loud, clear message both to Westminster and to the Senedd. Enough is enough. Protecting our planet is our priority