OVER the coming months we will be speaking to the candidates for Warrington's two seats at the General Election - this week, Warrington South's Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate, Kevin Bennett.

Unlike the majority of his peers, Cllr Bennett opted against higher education but his experience growing up in the town, facing financial struggles each day, could prove to be key.

Having left school at the age of 15 after opting for a motor mechanic apprenticeship, it was clear the 58-year-old was always set to pursue exactly what he wanted.

But it was growing up on a Latchford council estate that has armed the Fairfield and Howley councillor with the understanding of what a high number of residents across his constituency are faced with each day.

"We had a landfill at the bottom of our road which i played on when I was growing up - that is the kind of background I am from," he said.

"People like me did not go to university in those days - I had to bring money into the house to help my mum and dad.

"But it is what I have been brought up on and I would not change it. The experience will always stick with me and so i know what it is like for people - I want to help them."

Now with May 7 just two months away, there is no shying away from how difficult the task ahead is, although confidence of Cllr Bennett's plea to 'deliver for the people' is clear to see.

"It has been hard starting from scratch with no funding and definitely quite intense but I know what needs to be done," he said.

"Warrington has always been the place I have lived and worked in and from that I am aware of what measures need to be carried out to improve the lives of residents.

"The party does have minimal resources but as long as I can get myself out there, which I will be doing, and get my message across, then I should have a chance."

However, Cllr Bennett, who resigned from the Labour party in January, admits the journey could have been different.

"I was going to go for the candidate seat in 2010 with the Labour party but that is when their attack on me started," he said.

"But I have always campaigned for what I believe in and will continue to fight austerity for the people of Warrington South - I want to give them a voice to be heard.

"I want to represent the people that I grew up among and I don't see my rivals as being able to do that but now it is just about continuing tog et out there to speak to the people.

"I will be out campaigning every night and on the weekends as I really want to hear what the people have to say - it is just fantastic to hear their views on what they feel needs to be done."

The Appleton resident's decision to stand certainly came as a surprise, not least to the Labour party, but he believes his presence will not directly hinder his former party's plans to win the seat.

"If it takes one man to stop Labour getting in then something is wrong but I have been told that there has been a lot of scurrying around and worry since I announced I would be standing," he added.