Five people have put their names forward to stand in a by-election in Garff for the vacant seat in Lonan ward.

Following the closure of nominations on Wednesday, the local authority has released the names of the candidates who’ve thrown their hats into the ring.

They are: Company director Andrew Conin, project manager Matthew Lamberton, clerical officer Christopher Steele, semi-retired construction worker David Samuels and company director Andrew Moore.

Seven people initially came forward, but that number was cut to five after two candidates withdrew.

The election will be held on February 7, with the polls opening from 8am to 8pm.

The successful candidate will serve until 2020, when the local authority general election will take place.

A previous call for candidates failed to find anyone interested.

The vacancy arose after Stewart Clague resigned from the board.