A CONFIDENT Green Party is hoping for major breakthroughs in the elections.

Four years ago Darren Johnson was elected as Lewisham's first Green councillor, when he triumphed in the Brockley ward.

This time the party is putting up 48 candidates in the borough's 18 wards and is hoping to build on this success by securing at least five more seats.

Cllr Johnson, who says the party is targeting the Labour-held Ladywell ward, said: "We are confident this will be our best election ever in Lewisham.

"Our message of protecting the environment and standing up for decent services is gaining lots of support."