Coun Smith became the youngest councillor in British political history when she was elected to represent the Woodhouse ward on Ashfield District Council last year.

But poitics-mad Coun Smith, who is the daughter of former Mansfield deputy mayor Phil Smith and a former pupil at West Notts College, sees becoming a councillor as a natural progression.

"I have always been into politics ever since I used to help my dad during elections when I was young," she told Chad this week.

"We would go leaflet dropping together and when I was at college I stood for student union president.

"I did not get elected, but it sparked my interest even further. Politics is always something I have been interested in and something I have always wanted to be involved in.

'Support'

"I decided to stand in September 2006 and since then I have received excellent support from my family. I really wanted to get elected and was amazed when it actually happened. It took a while to sink in."

But since her election Coun Smith, who is set to be given the task of creating a youth council and improving youth involvement in local politics at Ashfield District Council, says she is enjoying her role.

Said Coun Smith: "Being a councillor is a big responsibility, but a challenge I really love. I am here to help people and improve the area and that is what I want to do.

"I spend a lot of time in my ward talking to people and listening. You need to get out there to see what the problems are and talk to the people about what they want changing and how best to do it.

"When you have an issue to solve you just have to think about what is the best way to solve it and go and do it. The days are long and hard and I have really learnt a lot in my time as a councillor.

"I have gained a lot of experience on how to solve problems and the best way to function as a councillor. We are making progress in the area and bringing about positive changes.

"Sometimes I think I could be out having a drink or being in a bar or club, but I have never really been one for that sort of nightlife. I am out there making a difference and making Woodhouse a better place to live."

Woodhouse ward has around 5,100 residents and has been notorious for switching political sides during recent Ashfield District Council elections.

But Coun Smith says she is confident she can go on to enjoy another term representing the area after the next election in 2009.

Coun Smith said: "We have to keep doing what we are doing and showing people that we are positively improving the area.

"We need to keep working hard and when we see problems, work to fix them as soon as we can. It is all about the people and I will not take them for granted."