THIS week Warrington South's new Labour MP Faisal Rashid writes his first column for readers.

I am delighted that the electors of Warrington South have chosen me to be their new Member of Parliament.

For me it is a dream come true.

I thank the Warrington Guardian for giving me the opportunity to write a regular column in our newspaper.

At the start of my first column I repeat the promise I have made many times that I will represent the interests of all the constituents and communities that make up my constituency of Warrington South.

I intend to be a strong voice for Warrington South in Parliament and be a strong voice in Warrington.

I thank everyone who voted in the recent General Election, regardless of who you voted for.

The UK has a democratic system to be proud of and it works because people participate.

The more people who vote on election day, the better our democracy becomes.

My first priority on being elected as your Member of Parliament was to make sure you could contact me with your concerns and enquiries.

I am in the process of opening my office in the constituency at 1 Wilson Patten Street.

I have already been contacted by many constituents about a whole range of things.

I am in the process of dealing with these enquires and will reply to every contact.

This will take some time, so I ask for your understanding and patience.

My first few weeks in Parliament have been extraordinary.

I have now been sworn in as the MP for Warrington South and officially taken my seat in Westminster.

I have been given an office actually in the Palace of Westminster.

I want to thank all the previous Members of Parliament for Warrington South: Mark Carlisle, Chris Butler, my good friend Mike Hall, Helen Southworth and David Mowat.

They all made a positive contribution to our town.

Last Friday was my first Warrington Walking Day as a Member of Parliament.

This is a great event where Warrington's religious groups congregate together.

As a champion of community cohesion and breaking down barriers it was a privilege to be part of this remarkable occasion.

I look forward to the honour of representing our town and I thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to serve.