A FLINTSHIRE man will continue his father’s legacy by shaping the community of Gwernymynydd for the better.

Kevin Hughes, who represented the area on Flintshire County Council, died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in January this year at the age of 63 after being admitted with COVID-19 the previous month.

As a result, the council held a by-election in the village along with the Senedd and PCC election to choose a successor for Mr Hughes and the final results were tallied up on Sunday, May 9.

Kevin’s son Andy Hughes, running as politically independent, will take his father’s place after he was backed by 639 voters.

His opponent Robert Gaffney, representing Plaid Cymru, was beaten after securing 171 votes.

READ MORE: Flintshire man hopes to carry on dad's legacy by standing for his place on council

Andy, who lives in Connah’s Quay with his wife and four children, shared what this victory means to him on social media after being named as the area’s new representative.

He said: “In 1989, I was lucky enough at the age of six to call Gwernymynydd my home, the best place in my opinion to grow up. Now 37, I am over the moon to say I have been elected as the County Councillor for that ward.

“I obviously regret ever having to stand, as Dad was doing an amazing job and still would be if COVID did not play its part, but we are where we are and it's time to make him proud.”