DEMOCRACY will be done pledged an election officer yesterday - even at the most remote place in the North-East.

Fishing boats and a helicopter were to be used to get the votes of the people on Holy Island, Northumberland, in the event of an emergency early this morning.

But deputy returning officer at Alnwick Borough Council, Mick Miller, said this time the tide-table was being kind to democracy - barring hold-ups.

He said: "In other years, we have had a major headache, but this time around we expect our presiding officer to get the votes to us with ease. That said, if it comes to it, we will go to some lengths to get the people of Holy Island's votes."

Voting seemed brisk at another tourist attraction that was being used as a polling station.

Part of St Nicholas Church, in Durham City, was devoted to election use.