IT was a great night for the Liberal Democrats in Appleton while Labour won the by-election in Woolston.

The Lib Dems dominated in a parish council by-election held for the Cobbs ward on Thursday.

Judith Wheeler, a former borough councillor, won 436 votes, beating Labour's Paul Carter into second place - he polled 138 votes. Conservative Jonathan Levy was third with 87 votes.

The turnout was 26 per cent.

In Woolston, Labour's Andrew Hill won with 258 votes, beating King's Leadership Academy supporter Andrew Leah who polled 121 votes.

Geoff Siddall, of UKIP, was third with 98 votes. The turnout was 22.81 per cent.

Aged 20, Andrew Hill has now become the town's youngest elected representative.

He said: "“I am very grateful to everyone who supported me during this election campaign, and I would like to thank those who have put their trust in me.

“I will work hard for residents in Woolston West and continue to champion our community on the Parish Council.”

A spokesman for Warrington North Labour Party said: “We are delighted by Andrew’s election to Woolston Parish Council.

"Aged just 20, he is the youngest elected representative in the town, and will bring new blood and fresh enthusiasm to the role.

“Local people supported a local man who will speak up for the community. Not only did the Free School candidate flop, but UKIP also failed to gain ground, despite their hype.

“At the same time, it is amazing that the Tory Party – who, after all, used to have councillors in Woolston – failed to even field a candidate in this election."

A by-election will be held in Winwick in April.

This year's local elections will take place in May alongside the European Elections.