A list of candidates vying to fill Sandwich Town Council's four vacant seats has been announced.

There are three vacancies for Sandwich North and one in the Sandwich South ward.

The by-elections come after Labour's David Wood announced in November he was leaving office over "serious differences" with the leadership group.

Days later, Conservatives Bill Staple, Tony Broun and Clare Felton also gave up their seats.

Voting will take place at The Phoenix Centre and Sandwich Guildhall between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, February 10.

Here's what we know about the candidates:

Sandwich North:

Clare Ungerson (Ind - Sandwich Matters)

The retired university professor and local historian has lived in Sandwich for 18 years.

She is chairwoman of Sandwich Matters, a new group concerned about the management of the council, and also involved with Sandwich Pantry, the Phoenix Centre, and the Town Team.

She wants residents to be more involved in decisions about Toll Bridge Fund expenditure and to protect the town's green spaces.

Nicholas Gray (Ind - Sandwich Matters)

Author and retired solicitor Nicholas Gray moved to Sandwich in 2015.

He was responsible for exposing the problems with the leases of the Historic Boatyard and the Fishergate in 2017, and has since continued his campaign to persuade the council to be much more accountable in its dealings.

The Sandwich Port & Haven commissioner wants to see the Quay developed so sailors of historic boats will moor there.

Colin Wiles (Ind - Sandwich Matters)

Having moved to Sandwich in 2017, Mr Wiles is a committee member of the Town Team, Gazen Salts Nature Reserve, and Sandwich in Bloom.

He has over 40 years’ experience working for housing associations and local authorities.

He wants to see a competent town council, that taps into the manifold talents of residents and their elected representatives.

Clive Peter 'Hank' Hancocks (Ind)

The RAF veteran moved to Sandwich with his wife Janet and son John almost 40 years ago.

He would like to see the Sandwich Toll Bridge Fund used to finance more public works which would benefit the town.

As a former volunteer for Sandwich Archive, he also wants to see the collections displayed and made more accessible to the public.

John Gisbey (Con)

The former councillor walked the beat in Sandwich during his 30 year career with Kent Police.

He previously led a successful campaign to restore Sandwich's unique war memorial so it would once again be a fitting tribute to the fallen.

He was also deputy mayor in 2018.

Jeff Sneller (Con)

Mr Sneller was a councillor and chartered surveyor in the town for more than three decades.

Twice Mayor, he initiated the Mayor's Civic Award and founded Sandwich Festival.

He has overseen improvements and extensions to the Age Concern centre as a trustee since 1990.

James Donaldson (Con)

Mr Donaldson has run a local farm for eight years.

His agricultural background fostered a passion for preserving and creating green spaces.

His priority would be promoting and protecting historic Sandwich.

Rob Edwards (Grn)

The Sandwich resident cares deeply about environmental, social and climate justice.

He says he will speak up for the enhancement of cycle lanes and bus services to villages, and push for housing projects on brownfield rather than greenfield sites.

Sandwich South:

Melissa Clements (Ind - Sandwich Matters)

Married mother of five Melissa Clements is a trustee of the League of Friends at the QEQM hospital.

She was part of a team which successfully fought to keep St Radigund’s primary school in Dover open, and has experience in arranging charity events.

She would like to see the Phoenix Centre reopened and the Sandwich Pantry operation expanded into Sandwich South.

Simon Mallet (Ind)

Born at North Poulders Farm in 1957, Mr Mallett attended Sandwich Infant and Juniors schools before moving up to Sir Roger Manwood's.

He is an active supporter of Sandwich Lights and Sandwich Salutes the 40s.

He believes in "standing up for one’s principles" and "most of all, being open."