Result:

Terry Dommett (Conservative) 230

Victoria Weavel (Liberal Democrat) 451

Majority 221

Turnout 16%

Electorate 4,261

The mother-of-two Victoria Weavel came out on top for the Liberal Democrats in Highbridge's town council by-election tonight. She romped home with a thumping majority with almost double the votes of her opponent Terry Dommett for the Conservatives.

The count was held in Morland Hall in the town and was announced by Sedgemoor's chief executive and returning officer Kerry Rickards.

A crowd of supporters for both candidates watched the count conducted by Sedgemoor District Council officials when it was announced just after 10.30pm.

Victoria Weavel said: "I'd like to thank my opponent Terry for a fair fight and the returning officer and his staff who have worked so hard today."

Terry Dommett said in reply: "Well done Victoria. You have a good team around you and my advice to you is to take some of their advice and you won't go wrong."

Mrs Weavel was supported by town councillors John Parkes and Phil Harvey and the town's former MP Tessa Munt.

Mr Dommett told the Weekly News: "The campaign went well, with good reactions from those we spoke to with no negative comments. We were fighting in an area that is traditionally Lib Dem and although disappointed with the result we'll keep going. I will continue to be active in the community and will be there the next time there is an opportunity to stand."

The Liberal Democrat Tessa Munt said it showed the Lib Dems were back in business and would take the fight to the Conservatives.