The 97-year-old who stood in Alderney's election

Rosemary Hanbury said there was no doubt she should be 'knitting or doing a jigsaw puzzle' rather than standing in the Alderney General Election

A 97-year-old woman said there was "a lot to learn" ahead of standing in the general election in Alderney.

Candidate Rosemary Hanbury said her love for the island was her inspiration and she was amazed at how "pleasant" people had been towards her.

She said there was "no doubt" she should be "knitting or doing a jigsaw puzzle" rather than standing in the States poll, but she felt she should "have a go".

The results saw Kevin Gentle and Alex Snowdon return to the States on 16 November, along with Stuart Clarke, Edward Hill and Iain Macfarlane. Ms Hanbury missed a seat by 16 votes.

She said: "I felt very new, there was a lot to learn.

"I have been amazed by how pleasant everyone has been. It is just extraordinary because there is no doubt about it I should be knitting or doing a jigsaw puzzle.

"Co-operation is important. You have 10 people who are all very different and that is a strength because, in the old days, you would have the farmers, the old Alderney people who are really known and led this island.

"I think that is very healthy. But you also want the expertise that is available and willingly given.

"You have to get the balance right, and I think that is something to look at."

'A magic'

She said she liked the island and wanted the States to "work".

Ms Hanbury added: "If you see something that is wrong that you can change, you have a go.

"I feel very strongly about this place, it has been wonderful for my family and me. Two of my children have come back to live here.

"I'm delighted but it is astonishing, so there is a magic... and they have caught it."