Dorchester ’S first citizen is launching a bid to become Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Local councillor Andy Canning, who is currently Mayor of Dorchester, has been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the new position, which will be elected on November 15.

He said: “It is a privilege to be selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I have the experience of managing large budgets and will apply my financial background to make sure that the police achieve value for money for Dorset’s taxpayers. I also believe I have the knowledge to be a strong voice for Dorset residents.”

Councillor Canning added that his top priority were he to be elected would be to keep young people out of crime.

He said: “Yes, we need to catch criminals and yes we need to punish them, but I believe it’s so much better if we can stop people from ever getting into crime in the first place.”