CONSERVATIVES from across West Dorset are celebrating today after retaining overall control of West Dorset District Council.

The group returned 26 councillors with the Liberal Democrats on 16 and the West Dorset independent group returning six.

The Conservative group continues to hold control of the council despite a surge by the Liberal Democrats who saw their numbers swell from 12 to 16.

Robert Gould, leader of the council and leader of the Conservative group, said he was delighted with the way the election had gone.

"I am thoroughly delighted with the results. We have retained overall control of the council.

"I am very pleased that our candidates have done so well."

Stephen Friar, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said he was delighted with the results of the poll.

"We have gained four seats which is fantastic and means our numbers have increased from 12 before to 16. As well as the gains we were close on a coupe of others.

"Bearing in mind the success of the Conservatives nationally I think that the Liberal Democrats in West Dorset have done absolutely superbly."

One of the Liberal Democrat gains was in the Dorchester North ward where Conservative Alan Beard lost his seat to Susie Hosford.

Mr Beard was elected in 2003 as an independent but changed to the Conservatives during his term.

He said: "I am sorry not to be re-elected. But I intend to continue with the work I have started while on the council and continue to support colleagues."

Newly elected Susie Hosford said: "I did not expect to get in so I am over the moon. I am really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead of me.

"North Dorchester is one of the most interesting with so much development happening. It should be an interesting few years."

One of the biggest upsets of the election was in the Lyme Regis ward where long serving councillors Owen Lovell and Ken Meech, who were standing for the Conservatives, lost out to independent councillor Patrick Hicks and Liberal Democrat Daryl Turner.

Another new face on the council will be Peter Read who replaces Daniel Smy in the Owermoigne ward.

Mr Smy decided to step down for health reasons.

Coun Read said the last few weeks of campaigning had opened his eyes to the size of the area he was now representing.

"I am delighted to be elected. It's now time to get on with work and justify the faith people have given me."

Dorchester independent councillor David Barrett, who also represents independent councillors in the South West on the Local Government Association, said he was disappointed the number of independent councillors on the district council had been cut to six.

"I regret that we have only managed to get six councillors but these councillors are worthwhile people and we will represent the people who have elected in the same way as last time."

Among the councillors rejoining the council is Ron Coatsworth who was first elected 31 years ago.

He said: "I am delighted to be re-elected. I hope that we are going to have a very successful council."

There was no change at Dorchester Town Council where the Liberal Democrats continued to dominate with 16 councillors down two from four years ago.

All the Liberal Democrat town councillors who had stood again in the election were re-elected with new faces Anita Harries, Mark Allwood and Tess James joining them But the number of independent councillors doubled from two to four with new faces Vicki Waddington-Black and Leonard Heath being elected.

The first meeting of the new West Dorset District Council will be on Thursday May 17. It is open to the general public and will start at 2.15pm in the Council Chamber at Stratton House, High West Street in Dorchester.

During the meeting councillors will elect the Leader, Chairman and Vice-chairman of the council and decide membership of other committees.