WYRE Forest Liberals are celebrating victory after Graham Ballinger maintained the party's grip in the division of St Chads.

The former Kidderminster mayor polled 1,059 votes in yesterday's Worcestershire County Council by-election called following the death of his friend and former group leader, Mike Oborski, in February.

Mr Ballinger, who also represents the ward of Greenhill at district level, secured the seat with a majority of 387 votes after a 28.7 per cent turnout of the 7,366 electorate.

Tracey Onslow, standing for the Conservative party, came second after polling 672 votes. Health Concern's district leader, Howard Martin, and Dan Watson, the Labour candidate, secured 252 and 133 votes respectively.

Mr Ballinger, a retired chief executive, said the issues of road conditions and the district education shake-up would be high on his list of priorities to tackle when he takes his place at County Hall.

The 62-year-old explained: "I am totally over the moon. It shows that people in the area are not persuaded by massive campaigns during election time. They remember the good work that goes on throughout the year.

"The Conservative party threw the kitchen sink at this election bringing in members from all over the county and country. Liberalism is still there and thriving.

"It is also a massive tribute to the work of Mike Oborski. That has been remembered by the many people he helped for many, many years.

"It was my fourth attempt in 30 years at trying to get on to the county council so I was due a bit of success. I am savouring every minute at the moment and am looking forward to the work ahead."