Steve Selby, a former chairman of Wychavon, failed in his bid to return to the council last week.

The Labour candidate was beaten by just 25 votes in the by-election for the vacancy created by the sudden resignation of town and district councillor Richard Hicks in September.

Conservative candidate Andy Dyke, of That Camera Place, was declared the new councillor after voting last Thursday.

Councillor Dyke, who is 48, is vice-chairman of Evesham Chamber of Commerce and has been closely involved in the Evesham Riverside Festival, Evesham in Bloom, and Britain in Bloom with his wife Wendy.

He has been a town councillor for the last 18 months.

Coun Dyke said: "I am pleased that the voters have put their faith in me and I'm looking forward to representing the people of Bengeworth."

Five people contested the seat on the town council at the same time.

Alan Booth, licensee of the Angel Vaults pub in Port Street, took the seat by 17 votes edging Martin Hammon, of Tom the Barber's, who had 112 votes, into second place. The turn out was 28.9%.

New Evesham town councillor Booth said: "My prime objectives are the cleanliness of Port Street, its regeneration, and backing the campaign to save the Regal cinema."

Both district and town council seats became vacant following the resignation of town mayor Richard Hicks in September from both town and district councils..

The full results are:

District Council - Andrew Dyke (Con) 270 votes, Stephen Selby (Lab) 245 .

Town Council - Evesham East Ward: Alan Booth (Ind) 129, Martin Hammon (Ind) 112, Paul Rencher (Ind Lab) 104, Jillian Haycock (Lib Dem) 103, Norbert Tucker (Greens) 62.