YORK'S Labour party has announced its candidates for next year's local elections in the Micklegate ward.

Two sitting councillors will stand again in the ward - the current Deputy Lord Mayor Julie Gunnell and cabinet member for environmental services, planning and sustainability Dave Merrett.

The third sitting councillor, Sandy Fraser, announced his retirement earlier this month and will be replaced on the ballot by current University of York student and co-chairman of York Young Labour, Nick Button.

Cllr Fraser said that he was confident in the three candidates.

He added: "I look forward to supporting Nick, Julie and Dave in the campaign to win Micklegate for Labour in May next year".