THE Conservatives have taken control of Malvern Hills District Council.

The Tories' haul rose from 10 to 22 seats, while the Liberal Democrats, who controlled the council until last night, lost 10 seats and now have only 11 councillors.

Previous deputy leader of the council, Conservative Roger Hall-Jones, hailed the results as a "great success".

"Malvern Hills has the lowest council tax in the county and I'm sure the Conservatives will maintain the high level of services to the electorate," he said.

West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer also endorsed the result.

The Independents took eight seats, while a Green Party candidate also took a seat on the council.