WARRINGTON North's Tory candidate has set her sights on 'turning the town blue' after getting her 'dream' opportunity to stand in the constituency.

Mum-of-two Val Allen, from Croft, lost out in a battle for the Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft borough council seat last May.

She also stood in Sefton Central in the 2015 General Election and St Helens South and Whiston five years earlier.

The businesswoman was awarded an MBE for services to the community and business in Halton and Warrington in 2015.

Mrs Allen, who has one granddaughter, who sits on Croft Parish Council and Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council.

She said: "I was in work when the election was called – it was the best kept secret of all time, nobody knew.

"I am a seasoned campaigner and have always wanted to stand in Warrington North – it is a dream come true.

"I have lived in Warrington for 35 years.

"I know the town and what the problems are.

"I am very passionate about businesses and apprenticeships, we need more skilled jobs.

"I wanted to stand in Warrington North in 2020 but it is good for me as I don't have to wait until then now.

"We are under siege in Warrington North from developers and traffic is a big issue.

"We need better public transport links and improved cycle routes.

"I have campaigned against Parkside, we don't need big sheds, we need proper skilled jobs.

"HS2 is ploughing straight through the middle of our villages.

"The Wigan spur is not needed."

Warrington North's Labour candidate Helen Jones has survived five general elections since becoming MP in 1997.

But Mrs Allen believes her rival's dominance in the constituency will end on June 8.

She said: "She has survived many elections but it is different this time.

"This is about Brexit and about getting the best deal for our country and Warrington.

"I want to be part of Theresa May's team in doing that.

"I don't think Jeremy Corbyn is the answer and I hope people in Warrington will see that.

"People want a strong leader for Brexit.

"I think Theresa May is a great role model, she proves hard work gets you somewhere.

"She is not flashy, she just gets on with it.

"She has just got on with her job and is really working hard – that is what I am like.

"I am not interested in personal insults at all but I will have a go at policies.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, it is time for change in Warrington.

"I also think David Mowat will retain his seat – I think he's been a great MP, it's about being joined-up in the town.

"This is a big chance to turn this town blue.

"I love the north and I want to get into Westminster to bring in some northern common sense."