Jubilant Conservatives have seized control of Brentwood Town Hall, ending 13 years of Liberal Democrat rule.

They cruised to a spectacular victory in the borough elections, winning five seats from the Lib Dems on a night of high drama.

Delighted Tory leader Brandon Lewis had been 'cautiously optimistic' before the election, but even he had not predicted such a sweeping victory.

"This a great result," he added. "We are here to deliver for Brentwood."

The Conservatives now have an overall majority, with 21 seats on the council, while the Lib Dems - who have ruled as a minority administration for the past year - have just 13. The Labour Party still has three seats.