THERE will be Labour representation in Northumberland County Council matters relating to Tynedale for the first time in four years.

The party reclaimed its seat in Prudhoe North after an absence of one term, while also claiming the Bywell ward from the Tories.

Ken Stow successfully removed Labour from Prudhoe North four years ago, but his successor Tracy Gilmore, the current town mayor, was unable to keep the seat blue.

She went head to head with Labour's Angie Scott, who received just 67 more votes than Mrs Gilmore to return the seat to Labour.

Coun. Scott received 862 votes to Mrs Gilmore's 795.

There was always going to be a new councillor in Bywell as Tory councillor Karen Quinn had announced her decision to step aside.

But the Conservatives lost their seat when new candidate Stephen Westgarth was pipped to the post by Labour's Holly Waddell. Mr Westgarth received 924 to Coun. Waddell's 981.

On social media, Coun. Waddell said: "Thank you so much to everyone for your support on this campaign. I’m proud to announce that I have been elected as your Labour County Councillor in Bywell.

"I couldn’t have done this without the amazing support I’ve had from so many people. From everyone who came out door knocking with me, got behind me on social media, advised me, supported me in anyway at all. There’s been so many people, too many to count and you’ve all won this tonight.

"Now the hard work begins..."