TORY John Greenway cruised to an easy victory in the Ryedale constituency and told Tony Blair that North Yorkshire had sent him a message - listen to rural voters.

Mr Greenway came away with a majority of more than 10,000, securing more than 21,000 votes in a one-sided ballot.

While there was joy for Mr Greenway, who won his fifth election, there was also delight for Labour candidate Paul Blanchard who increased his party's share of the vote by six per cent on the last election.

Mr Greenway said he was "absolutely thrilled" to have been re-elected and promised to "make sure the rural voice is heard" in Westminster.

It was barely an hour-and-a-half after the polls closed when the first clear indications appeared that Mr Greenway would sweep to a comprehensive win.

His vote was nearly 50 per cent of all those cast, with Liberal Democrat candidate Gordon Beever trailing behind in second place with just 10,782 votes.

The turnout of 65 per cent was slightly down on 2001, but Mr Greenway's opponents felt the constituency's countryside voters had come out in force to support him.

Mr Greenway said: "The rural area feels neglected and let down by Mr Blair. For the last 18 years, I have worked to serve everyone in the constituency.

"I am not interested in people's politics or who they voted for, or even if they voted at all. If they have a problem, I will help them."

Mr Greenway said the Government was in danger of "creating a divided community" and said Mr Blair "must listen" to the views of Ryedale.

Mr Blanchard, who was celebrating his 30th birthday today, said his vote had been the best present he could have wished for.

"I am grateful to the people of Ryedale for increasing Labour's share of the vote. I have made a special effort to speak to as many people as possible," he said.

"I was very impressed by how positive people were and how they greeted me on the doorstep."

But for the Liberal Democrats, who had targeted Ryedale as a key seat to gain during the election, there was only disappointment.

Mr Beever said: "We felt we had a good chance going in and we thought a very good fight. It would appear that there has been a high turnout from the countryside for Mr Greenway."

Results for the other candidates were John Clark, Liberal, 1,417; Stephen Feaster, UKIP, 1,522.

:: Ryedale Election result

John Greenway (Conservative) 21,251 (48.1 %)

Gordon Beever (Lib Dem) 10,782 (24.4 %)

Paul Blanchard (Labour) 9,148 (20.7%)

Stephen Feaster (UKIP) 1,522 (3.4%)

John Clarke (Liberal Party) 1,417 (3.2%)

Updated: 10:29 Friday, May 06, 2005