Two new members have joined a town council.

Anya O'Donnell and Melanie Palmer were officially welcomed onto Oakham Town Council at a meeting on Wednesday (October 13) after sitting members voted to accept their applications.

Anya O'Donnell, representing Oakham's North West ward, is a recent graduate from Oxford Brookes University, where she studied biological sciences and sat on the university council.

Miss O'Donnell is currently a resident of Barleythorpe, where she grew up.

Speaking on her suitability for the council seat, Miss O'Donnell said: "Having grown up nearby and always living in the area, I am deeply invested in Oakham's future and want to give back to the community that has shaped me.

"My degree equipped me with strong analytical and communication skills, and representing my class on the university council demonstrated to me that I can engage constructively in group decision-making.

"Between volunteering through school, working locally and being part of the tennis club, I already have roots here."

Melanie Palmer, representing Oakham's North East ward, has previously worked for the council as an administrative assistant. Ms Palmer has also engaged with an array of volunteering roles in the town, including with Oakham's Girl Guides.

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"Responsible financial stewardship is a key motivation for me," Ms Palmer said.

"My experience handling council finances, advising on statutory requirements and supporting project delivery has given me a strong understanding of how these funds should be allocated.

"I want to ensure that spending decisions are transparent, well-considered and aligned with the needs and priorities of Oakham's residents."

Speaking on the two new members Oakham mayor Martin Brookes said he was "very pleased" that all but one of the council's seats was now occupied.

"Melanie, who was a temporary admin assistant employed by the council for a year, will bring so much to the council, " Coun Brookes said.

"Anya, a former Oakham School pupil, is possibly the youngest person to join the council and I believe it is important to have membership from all the communities we represent."

Following Ms Palmer and Miss O'Donnell's admission onto the council, a single vacant seat remains in the South ward.