THE Liberal Democrats have named a former civil servant as their prospective parliamentary candidate to contest Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn's seat in the General Election.

Robert Adamson, 51, lives in the Thirsk area of North Yorkshire.

Although born in Yorkshire, his family roots can be traced to the North-East's mining community.

Mr Adamson trained fire service officers, civil service managers and managers from local authorities and the emergency services, before retiring from the Civil Service in 1996, to spend more time with his second wife, Rosemary, who had multiple sclerosis.

Mr Adamson is a wheelchair user, who also suffers from multiple sclerosis, and has a keen interest in issues surrounding disabilities. He is also vice-chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

As well as sitting on the regional committee of the Leonard Cheshire organisation, Mr Adamson is secretary and spokesman for Revolt, an environmental group opposing the erection of electricity pylons in North Yorkshire.

He said of his selection: "I am very pleased. Obviously there is a tradition of Liberalism in Darlington, and I hope we can restore that."

Mr Adamson also said he hoped to move to Darlington soon.