LABOUR maintained its overwhelming majority on Chester-le-Street District Council - but lost three seats.

The Tories doubled their presence to two seats when existing councillor Peter May was joined by his wife, Maureen.

Mrs May, who took a seat on the Chester East ward, said: "We are delighted. The Tories have had only one member for about 30 years.

"Now they have got two. We have made a good gain.

"I have lived in Chester-le-Street for the past 28 years and decided to stand because I feel passionately about the district."

One upset saw long-standing councillor David Meek lose to Lib Dem Philip Nathan in the Edmondsley and Waldridge ward.

Labour leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson said: "We are absolutely delighted at the outcome. We lost three seats, which was disappointing, but overall Labour still has control.

"I take it as a vote of confidence and a measure of support for what we have done over the past four years.

"We can now look to the future when we can see even more good things come to fruition."

The voter turnout was 34 per cent - down from 50 per cent at the last election.