Sandbach's two Conservative candidates raced home to victory last night in the Sandbach Town Council by-elections.

Ann Nevitt received the highest votes in the Town Ward (571) and while Nick Adams topped the table with 406 in the Ettiley Heath and Wheelock ward.

Candidates were vying for one seat on Sandbach Town Council's Town ward and one seat on the Ettiley Heath and Wheelock ward following the resignation of both councillors.

Ann said: "I am delighted and nervous. It's a great result for democracy and we will continue our fight to retain Sandbach Cemetery.

"There are so many things which need challenging."

Nick Adams, a former Congleton Town councillor, said: "I think Sandbach deserves the very best.

"There are some fantastic opportunities and I want to capitalise on these and make Sandbach the best it can be.

"One thing I will be concentrating on is engaging people and getting them to look at what we are doing in their area."

Nick added: "I am pleased but disappointed with such a low turnout."

Turnout for the Ettiley Heath and Wheelock ward was only 17.59 per cent of the population while 27.49 per cent voted in the Town Ward.

Candidates gathered at the count at Cheshire East Council's HQ Westfields last night to hear the results.

The result for the Town Ward was: John Arnold (the Labour Party) 245, Nicola Cook (Independent), 266, Nigel Kay (Independent) 68 and Ann Nevitt (the Conservative and Unionist Party) 571.

In the Ettiley Heath and Wheelock ward, there were three candidates standing. Nick Adams (the Conservative and Unionist Party), 406, Michelle Hough (Liberal Democrats) 103 and Simon Richards (the Labour Party) 266.

Sandbach Town Council is made up of 20 councillors across four wards - Town Ward, Sandbach Heath and East Ward, Ettiley Heath and Wheelock Ward and Elworth Ward.

Councillors are elected by public vote every four years. Any vacancies occurring outside of the four yearly election may be filled by co-option or a by-election.