The town mayor Keith Longdon topped the polls with 985 votes – more than double the votes of the candidate in second place – to represent Eastwood south on Broxtowe Borough Council.

Cllr Longdon said: "I'm over-the-moon. I can't wait to get in to it all. I'm getting all excited.

"Everybody was surprised at the result, but I have got to say I wasn't really, and I don't mean that in a big-headed way.

"I was knocking on doors and leaflet dropping leading up to the election and was getting a very good response from people at their door.

"You can get a good idea by what people say. I get involved with such a lot and I think that's why people vote for me.

"I'm chair of neighbourhood watch, I'm chair of two school governing bodies, I'm on the DH Lawrence festival committee and get involved in the town's arts festival and I think it's that sort of thing that helps.

"People seem to trust me and have respect for me."

As well as being on Eastwood Town Council, Cllr Longdon also represents the town on Nottinghamshire County Council and says this will bring huge benefits.

He said: "I think it's a real plus to represent the town on all three councils.

"The crossover means there are less obstacles in the way when you are trying to get something resolved. It's easier to achieve things."

The by-election, held on February 25, followed the death of Labour Cllr Jim Kenny, who died suddenly in December just 24 hours after being told he had cancer.

The 69-year-old, who served the town for more than 15 years and was mayor in 2003, went to hospital with chest pains but tests showed he had cancer and he died the next day.

Labour candidate Kenneth Woodhead received 484 votes and Tory candidate
Adrian Royce Limb received 387 votes.