LABOUR has reversed its decision to deselect one of its councillors who also chairs the Save Our Valleys conservation group.

Saddleworth West and Lees ward councillor Steve Hewitt has now been told he CAN stand as a candidate in next year's borough elections.

The dramatic u-turn came just few days after a meeting for shortlisting Labour candidates to stand in the 2020 local elections.

On Friday, September 14 it is understood three Labour members voted to shortlist three candidates.

When asked if they wanted to shortlist Cllr Hewitt, they declined and he was deselected by the party.

That initial news was greeted with anger and dismay by the staunch members of Save Our Valleys (SOV) committee.

However, it was found that the meeting did not meet the criteria needed in the rule book and the decision was overturned on Monday (September 16) after Cllr Hewitt complained to the regional party.

The later news was greeted with a warm response from the Save Our Valleys supporters who gave a round of applause at their meeting on Monday night at Grotton pavilion.

Meantime, The Save our Valleys team is hosting a fundraising quiz next Friday (September 27) at Springhead Liberal Club with prizes for the winners and a buffet for all of those who sign up to SOV.

The committee is working in a host of additional fundraising initiatives to boost funds.

It has already raised £20,000 for the Save Our Valleys (SOV) Judicial Review Fighting Fund to challenge moves to build houses in their valleys.