THE SDLP has co-opted Sean Mooney onto Derry City and Strabane District Council as a representative for the Waterside.

Mr Mooney will replace Sinéad McLaughlin, who was co-opted to the assembly to fill the vacancy left by party leader Colum Eastwood's election to Westminster in December.

Mr Eastwood said the new councillor had "great connections with the local community" given his roles as an athletics coach and a member of the board of governors at Long Tower primary school.

"I know that he will put his talents as a former solicitor to good use as an advocate for people across our city on the council," the Foyle MP said.

Mr Mooney said it was an honour to represent the Waterside.

"People in Derry deserve delivery – it's time that politics and politicians worked for them," he said.

"I'll be working hard with our entire team to deliver more for the people we represent."