CLLR Miranda Grell is set to appeal against a judgement that she falsely claimed an election rival was a paedophile during last year's local election.

The 29-year-old was convicted on two counts of the Representation of the People Act, disqualifying her from holding elected office, when she appeared at Waltham Forest Magistrates' Court last Friday.

A statement on her website said: "An official appeal has now been lodged by my lawyers, as we do not accept the Friday September 21 judgement.

"A campaign is being set up to raise funds for the legal appeal and also to raise awareness of our fight for justice."

She added: "I have been humbled to receive so many phone calls, text messages, visits, letters and emails showing my family and I support. It is giving me and my family a lot of strength at a difficult time."

Ms Grell said she will reveal the full details of her campaign and how people can help once all the arrangements have been finalised.