A NON-political party will head up Malvern Town Council after it won a huge majority at the election.

Malvern Town Action Group took 17 of the 20 seats up for grabs, meaning only one non-MTAG member was voted into office.

Non-MTAG members Ann Silk and Philip Wright were both elected unopposed while David Williams, independent, beat off Alistair Macmillan in Dyson Perrins.

The group enjoyed clean sweeps of seats in North Malvern and Chase, ousting mayor Frances Victory in the process.

Minutes after the results were announced at the Bank House Hotel, Bransford, MTAG leader Keith Phillips said: "We are highly delighted with the result. I said before the election that we were looking to win 15 seats so we are very happy with the outcome.

"The main objective now in view is to reduce costs, reduce Council Tax and maintain or improve services in Malvern. We shall be setting up plans in the next few weeks to carry out those aims."

MTAG was established in 2001 following criticism of a tax increase and purchase of new council offices on Belle View Terrace.

The only setback for MTAG came when its deputy-leader, Mr Macmillan, failed to get elected.

"It's a huge disappointment," said Mr Phillips.

The group was guaranteed at least half of the seats on the council before voting started - many wards had the same number of candidates as seats available.