Brentford's Liberal Democrat candidate and his team say they are looking forward to fighting the "stale" local Labour and Conservative groups at the general election.

Joe Bourke, a Hanwell accountant who stood in Dagenham and Rainham at the last general election, has been announced as the party's choice to contest the seat of Brentford and Isleworth this May.

The devoted Bees fan, who also ran unsuccessfully in the last two local elections in the ward of Brentford, grew up in Southall and attended a grammar school in Harrow.

He has served as a director of Brentford FC and its supporters' trust, as well as on the board of Supporters Direct, which gives fans nationwide a voice in how the game is run.

He said: "The Liberal Democrats have paid a price for acting in the national interest by entering into coalition following the last general election, but the sacrifice has been worth it.

"Liberal Democrat ministers in government have taken millions of low earners out of paying tax altogether, brought back real apprenticeships that train young people in needed trades, and put much needed money into early years education."

Carl Pierce, vice chairman of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said: "We look forward to working with Joe as we challenge the stale local Labour and Conservative parties."

Mr Bourke, who has chaired the Association of British Travel Agents' aviation committee, has vowed to fight any expansion of Heathrow, while protecting existing services.

He has also promised to address concerns about local housing plans, which he says have been developed without considering their impact on transport and other infrastructure.

He claims Lib Dem policies have already benefited the area, providing more money for local schools, more apprenticeships, income tax cuts and more support for carers.

Mary Macleod MP, Ruth Cadbury and Daniel Goldsmith have been announced as candidates for the Conservatives, Labour and Green Party respectively in Brentford and Isleworth. UKIP has said it will be represented in the constituency but has yet to announce a candidate.