The Conservatives clung on to the West Worcestershire seat in the closest election battle in recent years.

Sir Michael Spicer clinched his ninth successive term in the seat, despite Liberal Democrat challenger Tom Wells slashing his majority by more than half, from 5,374 to 2,475.

Tension was palpable at the Bank House Hotel, as candidates waited for the final announcement at 4am on Friday.

After results were declared, a clearly relieved Sir Michael, who polled 20,959 votes, conceded that it was a hard-fought battle.

"The Liberal Democrats fought a very good campaign. Both sides fought cleanly and we did all we could to win."

As news of the Conservative victory was announced, Mr Wells insisted the Liberal Democrats in West Worcestershire were here to stay.

"I feel committed to the people of Worcestershire and am delighted with tonight's result. I want to say thank you to everyone that has made this happen for us."

Labour candidate Qamar Bhatti polled 4,945 votes, a drop from Labour's 2001 figure of 6,725.

This year's overall turnout rose to 71.12 per cent, compared with 2001's figure just more than 67 per cent. Of these, 6,202 were postal votes. Out of 47,232 votes cast, 162 ballot papers were rejected.