THE LIBERAL Democrats have kept control of Bridport Town Council - while two Green Party candidates were elected to the authority for the first time.

Mayor Maggie Ray, along with leading Liberal Democrats Ros Kayes, Dave Rickard and Sarah Williams were among 12 re-elected to the town council from their party, but independent candidate David Tett lost his seat - missing out by 50 votes.

Speaking after the election, Mayor Ray, said: "We stood on our record of service and action, and will continue to work hard and consult all year round.

"We want to make Bridport an even better place to live, work and visit."

Mr Tett said he thought that standing as an independent councillor at the same time as the general election meant political views would have played a part in the outcome.

"I have always tried to do my best for the town of Bridport - avoiding party politics and looking and dealing with matters that mostly concern Bridport" he said. "However, the townspeople have spoken and the message is loud and clear.

"The local election coinciding with the general election did not help me as an independent, in that one's political view undoubtedly reflected in the result."

Kelvin Clayton and Julian Jones became the first Green candidates to be elected to Bridport Town Council - while only four Conservatives are now on the authority.

Speaking about his election, Mr Clayton said: "All I can say is that people in the Bridport area seem to be generally more sympathetic to a Green way of thinking.

"We are hoping to give a Green voice to the council - perhaps issues that haven't been looked at before or raise questions that haven't been asked in the past.

"The Green Party is not just about looking after the environment, we are about social justice and this is a great opportunity to give the council a new perspective."

Councillors elected for Bridport North: Jeremy Brodie (Conservative), Keith Day (Conservative), Sarah Horniman (Lib Dem), Julian Jones (Green), Ros Kayes (Lib Dem), Gill Massey (Lib Dem), Maggie Ray (Lib Dem), Martin Ray (Lib Dem), Anne Rickard (Lib Dem).

Councillors elected for Bridport South: Geoff Ackerman (Lib Dem), Sandra Brown (Conservative), Kelvin Clayton (Green), Eddie Colfox (Lib Dem), Terry Harrison (Lib Dem), Barry Irvine (Lib Dem), Frances Mckenzie (Conservative), Dave Rickard (Lib Dem), Sarah Williams (Lib Dem).