South Kesteven has a new district councillor, Penny Robins, who won the by-election in the Glen Ward.

Penny safely retained it for the Conservatives, beating Labour's Paul Richardson by 585 votes to 167.

The rural ward sits largely around the Bythams and covers a sprawling area north of Stamford, south west of Bourne, heading further westwards towards Colsterworth.

It has been left vacant since last summer following the resignation of Chris Benn on health grounds.

Penny is a mum of four, with three adult children. She is married to sitting district councillor Nick Robins and the pair will be one of three married couples on South Kesteven District Council.

Penny told Nub News: "I was born in Hampshire but grew up and educated in a village near to Peterborough. I have had a few jobs ranging from the NHS, leading retailers to holding a senior position in a large Letting Agency. Now, I concentrate on running the family business."

The family business is the oven cleaning business Oven Fairy.

When not working, Penny enjoys running and cycling and has completed the London-Brighton bike ride for charity.

Penny said: "I enjoy eating out and I try and visit as many local establishments as I can. I like reading as a way of relaxation and travel is high on my list. I have travelled extensively through Australia, India, Nepal , Thailand and Europe."

Penny put herself up for election because she wanted to help people and make a difference.

"My husband Nick has been the Castle Ward Councillor for 11 years and I have accompanied him to many functions.

"I found it all very interesting and I know that I could be a good Councillor too so decided to put myself forward.

"My parents always voted Conservative, Nick is a Conservative and I align myself closer with our policies and ethos than all of the other parties."

Penny continued: "I based my campaign on what I can realistically deliver and that is a local candidate standing up for local people on local issues.

"I can bring life experience to SKDC and a pragmatic way of dealing with issues that arise. I also am a good listener and can empathise.

"I think the campaign went better than I expected. I was absolutely over the moon to have won the seat and retain it for the Conservatives. I was really pleased by the size of the majority.

"I had the usual Potholes, grass verges and planning issues questioned amongst other important local issues but I was just honest and maybe this won people around.

"Obviously the Labour national scene at the moment was a good help too. If I can help with local issues then I have fulfilled the promises I had pledged on the doorstep and this was well received."

Now, once elected Penny promises to carry out the pledges she made and improve what she says is already a wonderful part of South Kesteven district.

"Glen Ward has so much to offer and I intend to promote it as much as I can and as far and wide as I can."

As already mentioned, Penny will be joining husband Nick on the district council, adding to couples Ray and Linda Wootten of Grantham and Paul and Jane Wood of the Viking ward, to the north of Grantham.

Penny said: "It is great having my husband on the Council too. We already work together and live together so it won't be a too difficult task to combine the council work. With his experience I am sure I will learn from him and of course from all my other colleagues in the chamber too."

And as she prepares for the first 'full' council meeting on Thursday May 20, Glen's new councillor added: "I would like to place on record, the gratitude I have for all the people who supported me, had faith in me and who helped with my campaign and encouraged."