CHRISTCHURCH'S 'missing' Ukip councillor has officially claimed her seat, just a day before the council's deadline.

Cllr Janet Abbott signed the declaration of acceptance on Monday, after returning to the country from a two-month long trip to America.

The new councillor made history in May, becoming the first Ukip candidate to win a seat at Christchurch council, representing Grange ward.

But she was not around for much of the campaigning or the results, and only returned to the UK on June 30.

She said Monday was the earliest she was able to sign the declaration since her return.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Cllr Abbott said she was dealing with family matters in the US and took some time to see her son out there as well.

"I have to say, I didn't expect to get a seat. I was absolutely amazed that I got a seat. It's wonderful", she said.

Regarding the campaign prior to the election, she said: "I have got a disability and I can't do the walking and doorstepping others did.

"Carl Williams, who was also a Ukip candidate did a lot of that side of things and did a very good job.

"I was leading from behind, and did a lot of admin."

She added: "Ukip is a bit of a wild card. But there is always a chance and we always hope for the best.

"I have been living here since 1992 and I know the area well.

"It's pretty early days for me; I've never been a councillor before. I've got to learn the ropes. I've got a good team who are helping me.

"I would like to meet up with my fellow councillors; at the moment they are strangers."

The first meeting Cllr Abbott will attend is a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, July 14.

The Grange ward on Christchurch Borough Council saw two members elected in May – Conservative Denise Jones with 645 votes and Janet Abbott for Ukip on 635.

Another Ukip candidate, Carl Williams, was present for the campaign and the election count, but came fourth in the poll with 547 votes.