The Conservatives have won back a seat at County Hall in the Bocking by-election.

The by-election was held yesterday for the Essex County Council division, following the death of UKIP councillor Gordon Helm in December.

UKIP won the seat from the Tories in May 2013.

But yesterday Conservative candidate Stephen Canning won the poll with 1,071 votes, a majority of 97, taking the seat back for his party.

Labour candidate Lynn Watson beat UKIP into third place by polling 974 votes, while UKIP candidate Michael Ford won 855 votes.

John Malam (Gn) received 165 votes and Peter Sale (Ind) won 58 votes.

Turnout was 22.89 per cent.