THE Conservatives have won two wards in Darlington Borough Council - one remaining Tory and the other a gain from Labour.

Jack Sowerby has held the post for Conservative for Hummersknott, while David Willis is the new councillor for Red Hall and Lingfield, previously Labour.

In Hummersknott, Mr Sowerby won with 971 votes - turnout was 62.63 per cent, with 1,951 ballot papers issued.

In Red Hall and Lingfield, Mr Willis won with 466 votes - turnout was 33.99 per cent and 1,109 ballot papers were issued.

Darlington MP, Conservative Peter Gibson, said he was delighted with the result.

He said: "Both have been working very hard to get to know the people in their wards.

"Jack Sowerby has been working tirelessly for 18 months, delivering literature and taking up local campaigns, such as increased water safety and the cemetery. He will be a great councillor.

"David Willis has run a fantastic campaign. He has been spreading the Conservative message which is that we are ready to roll our sleeves up and get the job done.

"He has been taking part in litter picks with the community, so he has been able to listen to their concerns and ideas for their area in a more natural way than door-knocking.

"Darlington is a beautiful town blessed with green parks and amazing architecture. We are working hard to bring back community spirit - as well as jobs and infrastructure - to really put it on the map."

With regard to the Hartlepool election, and the town gaining its first ever Conservative MP, he said: "Jill Mortimer is a good friend of mine and we have supported each other for many years on our journey to Parliament.

"She is a great campaigner and will make a fantastic MP. The response to her from local people has been very positive.

"I'm looking forward to welcoming her to Westminster, and her joining our group of six Conservative MPs in the Tees Valley, who are all doing a great job in campaigning for the Tees Valley alongside Mayor Ben Houchen."