VOTERS elected Conservative candidate John Sheldon to West Devon Borough Council last Thursday in a by-election for the Tavistock North ward seat.

Mr Sheldon, a retired police officer, held the seat for the Tories with 349 votes.

Independent candidate and former Tavistock town mayor Caroline Keane came second with 206 votes.

Labour Party candidate Moira Brown took third spot with 196 votes, and the Liberal Democrats came fourth with 187 votes. Their candidate was Joyce Hillson.

On a rain-lashed day there was a low turnout of just under 21%.

The make-up of the council is now: Conservatives 17, Independents 11, Liberal Democrats 3.