A GUIDE has been published to help newly elected members of town and parish councils understand their roles.

The Good Councillor's Guide, subtitled as the essential guide for town and parish councillors, has been produced through the National Training Strategy (NTS) for Town and Parish Councils.

Funded by the Countryside Agency, the guide is being sent to as many first time councillors as possible.

Margaret Clark, director and chairman of the NTS steering group, said: "Town and parish councils play an important role in the life of communities, including the delivery of many key services.

"We want to give them the tools to succeed and ensure their councils are active and successful."

The guide can be downloaded from the website, at:

www.nalc.gov.uk/training/