A 29-YEAR old has been announced as the man who aims to follow in the footsteps of a popular Gloucester councillor who died.

Saj Patel has stepped into the election battle for Gloucester City Council to honour a 'death bed promise' to former Councillor Yakub Pandor who died in December aged 58.

The civil servant is standing as the Conservative candidate for Barton and Tredworth Ward, hoping to take Mr Pandor's place on the city council.

"Councillor Yakub Pandor wanted me to stand for election in his place and I agreed," said Saj.

"Like me, he was very hard working and passionate about improving Barton & Tredworth. He was also a very good family friend and it is an honour to stand in his place.

"I was born in the ward and have spent most of my life in the ward.

"I have very strong personal and family links with the area and I care deeply about the local issues, such as parking, fly-tipping, vandalism, dog fouling on pavements, pot holes and improved street lighting to name a few."

More than 1,000 people attended the funeral or Mr Pandor.