THE Labour Party's Roger Sterry is the new Forest of Dean district councillor for the Cinderford West Ward.

Mr Sterry won the by-election in a four-cornered fight last week. He polled 496 votes, well clear of his nearest opponent, the Conservative Party's Aaron Freeman who polled 236 votes.

Colin Guyton (Ukip) was third with 119 votes and Colin Davies (Lib Dem), fourth, with 89.

A Labour Party spokesman said: "We were delighted Roger won. In reality it was as much a victory for the late Frank Beard who previously held the seat. It would have been his 80th birthday last week."

Ukip's Colin Guyton said it was the first time his party had ever contested a local election in Cinderford. Support, he said, had been encouraging.

Conservatives had more success in the election for a town councillor for the Lydney North Ward. In a low turnout, Jan Cordon polled 86 votes to take the seat. Jenni Dawson-Marsh polled 46 votes and Roderick Dawson-Marsh, 24.