THE British National Party (BNP) came within two votes of winning its first seat in the region early this morning.

The right-wing party finally accepted defeat to Labour during the Shildon Town Council by-election after four recounts.

Two seats were up for grabs to represent the County Durham town’s Sunnydale ward and both were filled by Labour.

Mark Walker (BNP) polled 239, Theda Mary Bannister (Lab) polled 240 and Henry Nichloson (Lab) polled 253.

"It was extremely close but it doesn’t matter if it was one vote or 100 votes a win is a win and the people of Shildon have democratically elected two Labour candidates," said Councillor Nicholson.

The result was officially declared at about 12.45am in Sunnydale Leisure Centre yards away from where Mr Walker used to work.

The 37-year-old was sacked from Sunnydale Comprehensive School, in November, on the grounds of ill-health following a 20 month disciplinary inquiry which remains unresolved.

Supporters claim he was first suspended for viewing right-wing websites during lessons but insist he was an impartial and impeccable teacher.

An inquiry by the NSPCC, however, uncovered emails indicating a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old former pupil and concluded his behaviour "compromised his suitability to continue working as a person in a position of trust with young people".

The inquiry makes it clear that no illegal content was found on Mr Walker’s school laptop or desktop computers.

The former RAF technician denies any wrongdoing and insists the allegations made against him were politically motivated.

"I would like to say thanks to the former pupils and parents who have voted for me," said Mr Walker, shortly after the final count.

"They saw through the lies and the smears that have been put round about me."

Sunnydale was arguably the BNP’s best hope to win a seat in the region.

Mr Walker, who lives in Spennymoor, was eligible to stand in the ward because he had been employed there for 12 months prior to election day.

His term of notice runs out on December 31.

The election was called when two independent councillors, Ina Jackson and Lorraine Smith, stepped down for personal reasons.

A total of nine candidates stood in the by-election.

Despite this morning’s Labour victories Shildon Town Council remains under independent control.