A shortfall in elected councillors that left a town council looking to co-opt seven additional volunteers to make up its number has looked further afield to recruit two new members.

Diss Mercury: New Diss town councillor Dave Poulter has also been co-opted by fellow councillors. Picture: Diss Town CouncilNew Diss town councillor Dave Poulter has also been co-opted by fellow councillors. Picture: Diss Town Council (Image: Diss Town Council)

South Norfolk's boundary review meant Diss Town Council had 14 councillor positions to fill at the May local elections but only seven were elected. The council has now co-opted two new members though neither lives in Diss.

Doreen Collins, who was elected at last week's full council meeting, lives in Winfarthing though she is a long-standing community champion in Diss. A member of the Diss Town Team and Diss Chamber of Trade, she was a Diss Carnival coordinator for nine years and was named an Honoured Citizen of Diss in 2011.

Meanwhile Dave Poulter, who lives in Roydon, has also been co-opted by fellow councillors for his experience working for British Rail, the NHS and local authorities.

The role of town councillor is voluntary and more new councillors are being sought to fill the remaining vacancies. If you would like to be considered for co-option as a councillor complete the application form at diss.gov.uk