A STUDENT has become one of a village’s youngest ever parish councillors.

Thearr Maragkakis, 20, of Greenfield, was elected to Gosfield Parish Council on September 16.

She secured 123 votes, six more than her nearest rival.

The Anglia Ruskin University student is now hoping to bring a fresh face and new perspectives to the council.

She is the third generation of her family to live in the village and says she wants to start giving something back to Gosfield.

Thearr said: “I wanted to become more involved in how the village is run and what goes on behind the scenes.

“The public don’t really see that side of things, and I don’t know loads about how it works but I am really interested in finding out.

“I wanted to push myself a bit more. I am only young but I want to get involved in the village and hopefully have a positive impact on the village and its villagers.

“I had my first meeting on Monday so I have gone straight into the fold.

“I enjoyed the meeting. It was good to get a feel of the parish council.

“At the moment I am not sure what my first project will be but I am definitely looking for something to get stuck into.”

Thearr is heavily involved with a Beaver Scout Group in the area, as well as volunteering at the local Forest School, taking part in the Horticultural Society Show and helping at the Gosfield Fete.

She studies early childhood professional studies at Chelmsford Anglia Ruskin and is also a student ambassador and environment and community representative.

Thearr added: “I definitely think more young people should get involved in local politics.

“Young people can offer a completely different perspective and that is hopefully what I will do.

“I think my friends and people I meet are a little bit shocked when I say I am a parish councillor because it is quite unusual for people my age.

“I was a little bit shocked when I got elected because of my age and inexperience, but that may have helped.

"I think voters liked the idea of a fresh face and a younger person on the council."