MUGGING victim Marjorie Westlake is set to take back the streets from yob culture by standing as a candidate for a new political party, Mums' Army.

The 77-year-old, of Langthorne Road, Leyton-stone, says she will be a candidate for the party in May's local council elections and she is determined to make a difference.

Mrs Westlake first appeared in the Guardian in November 2004 after she was attacked and left unconscious by two muggers while out shopping in Leytonstone. She spent four days in hospital and suffered cuts to the head and bruising.

But instead of becoming a prisoner in her own home, she has now decided to tackle yob culture head on and stamp out anti-social behaviour.

Mums' Army was recently launched by national magazine Take a Break and so far it says the party has 54 candidates standing in local elections across England, Scotland and Wales.

Widow Mrs Westlake, who has two daughters and seven grandchildren, said she got involved in the party after reading about it in the magazine.

She said: "After I was mugged it took me three months to get my life back.

"But it was the incident that made me think I am grateful to be alive and what can I do to help young people stop acting the way some of them do.

"I am 101 per cent behind Mums' Army and I will do everything in my power to get on the council and start making changes.

"I will be campaigning out on the streets to get votes and I urge other people who want to stop anti-social behaviour to get involved."

Mrs Westlake, who is also a volunteer helping vulnerable elderly people, said her family were supporting her move into local politics and she said they were proud she was doing something positive after her attack.

Take a Break editor John Dale said Mums' Army was for women who wanted to get something done to stop anti-social behaviour.

If you want to help Mrs Westlake with her campaign or pledge support call her on 8558 3861.

To find out more about the party visit www.mumsarmy.org.uk