LABOUR have clinched a resounding victory in the City of York Council by-election for the Hull Road ward.

The party's candidate Mick Hoban has become the city's newest councillor after winning 860 of the 1,468 votes cast.

That placed him well ahead of his nearest rival, Conservative runner Robin Dickson, who polled 296 votes, while Liberal Democrat candidate Rachel Williams came third with 183 when the results were announced a short time ago at Archbishop Holgate's School.

"It will be a challenge, but a worthwhile one," said 58-year-old father-of-four Mr Hoban.

"The people of the Hull Road ward have put their trust in me and now I hope to repay that trust."

Turnout for the poll, which followed the resignation of previous councillor Dr Roger Pierce, was 18.3 per cent. The result means the number of Labour councillors on the authority remains at 18, with the Lib Dems holding 20, the Conservatives having seven and the Greens having two.

The full results were:

* Mick Hoban (Labour): 860 votes.

* Robin Dickson (Conservative): 296.

* Rachel Williams (Lib Dem): 183.

* John Cossham (Green): 84.

* Trevor Brown (BNP): 42.

* Visit thepress.co.uk and see Saturday's edition of The Press for full reaction to the Hull Road by-election.