MUSIC teacher Chris Bluemel is standing as the Green's candidate for Southampton Test.

He grew up in Southampton, attending Shirley Junior and Cantell Secondary schools, before studying music at York University.

Mr Bluemel became involved politics through his mother in the campaigns against the massive road-building projects of the 1990s.

He has been active in a wide range of environmental and human rights groups wherever he has lived.

Last year, he was vocal in calling for the Government to intervene to prevent the closure of the Vestas plant on the Isle of Wight, spoke at a Newport rally, penned articles for the Daily Echo, and even provided cooking equipment for the camp outside the factory.

Mr Bluemel believes climate change and depletion of material resources need to become key issues and that a greener society , where people work shorter hours, would be a healthier one.

He is also concerned that vital public services are maintained and has opposed the privatisation of local health services.

Mr Bluemel currently teaches music at Itchen College as well as privately and often provides entertainment at community events.

He plays piano for the Conchord Singers, a local community choir, and lives in a shared house in Swaythling.