THE LIBERAL Democrats have celebrated a victory winning both the county and district seats in yesterday's by election.

Lib Dem candidate Andy Grant took Ashley ward of the district council with 774 votes - a majority of 420 over Labour candidate John Paton.

Meanwhile, Martin Frearson (Lib Dem) seized the St Albans south division seat on Hertfordshire County Council, comprising Verulam and Sopwell wards.

The triumphant candidates replace Liberal Democrat district councillor Mike Ellis who lost his battle with cancer in March, at the age of 68.

The results were: Ashley Ward: Christopher Baker (Conservative) 342, John Paton (Labour) 354, Graham Ward (Green) 93.

St Albans South Division on Hertfordshire County Council: Salih Gaygusuz (Conservative) 1,250, Iain Grant (Labour) 540, and Kate Metcalf (Green) 249.