THE Birchwood branch of the Warrington North Conservative Association has selected its branch chairman, Andrew Ferryman, to contest the ward in the 2007 borough council elections.

Mr Ferryman, from Locking Stumps, said he was delighted to have been unanimously selected by the branch last month.

He said: "I have a year to ensure that the Conservative party's profile is heightened in Birchwood. I am confident we will have electoral success next year."

Labour currently holds Birchwood. Mr Ferryman was instrumental in setting up the Birchwood branch of Warrington North Conservative Association last June.