IT was a nail-biting night for the candidates in a tight district council by-election in West Somerset.

The LibDems were celebrating as their man scraped home following two recounts in a tight poll.

Steve Griffiths was eventually declared the winner in yesterday's Old Cleeve and District poll for a seat on Somerset West and Taunton Council...by a mere six votes.

He attracted 500 votes, just ahead of Conservative hopeful Martin Dewdney, who captured the support of 494 voters.

Independent Richard Lillis was third with 120 votes.

The vacancy was created by the resignation of LibDem Peter Pilkington for family reasons.

After the count, Cllr Griffiths said: "We stood on our positive record in West Somerset after taking control of the council after 20 years of Tory neglect.

“We are proud of the work we have done in starting to combat climate change, investing in Watchet regeneration, protecting the Blue Anchor coast, supporting businesses throughout the area and we will be building the first council houses in West Somerset for a generation.

“It was a hard-fought election and very close with two recounts.

"I am humbled to represent such a wonderful area on the council.

"A massive thank you to the returning officer and his staff who conducted the election so efficiently, and to my campaign team, especially fellow ward councillor Marcus Kravis.

“Following our amazing gain of an MP in the Chesham and Amersham by-election, it’s green for go and full steam ahead for the LibDems in Somerset.”

The turnout in the election was 28 per cent.