NATIONAL networks are lining up to broadcast the Wyre Forest election count next Thursday.

Unprecedented media interest will focus on the election count at the Glades Arena in what could be one of the stories of the election.

The stand by Health Concern candidate Dr Richard Taylor against the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital has captured the imagination of the national media.

Television, radio and newspapers have been deliberating over the unheralded chance an independent may be elected MP on a local issue.

Although Martin Bell was widely acknowledged as the first independent MP for 50 years when he won the seat of Tatton at the last election, this was seen as symbolic of the fight against the national issue of sleaze.

Not since Wyre Forest MP Stanley Baldwin was Prime Minister has the district attracted so much political attention.

Much of the media attention has also focused on the possibility of a Labour minister, David Lock, losing his seat.

However, locally the election is being seen as a three-way scrap between Dr Taylor, Mr Lock and Conservative candidate Mark Simpson.

Jim Millington, of the UK Independence Party, is the fourth candidate.

The Shuttle/Times & News and other regional press will be joined by BBC, ITN and Sky Television, who all have camera crews lined up to cover the count at the Glades Arena.

They will be joined by separate crews from BBC Midlands Today and Central News and BBC Radio 4 and 5. BBC Hereford and Worcester and Heart FM have also booked their places to cover the result.

John Wright, of Wyre Forest District Council's election team, said: "There is unprecedented interest in Wyre Forest this year.

"We are now waiting to see how many national newspapers will call in the coming week."

The Wyre Forest result is expected to be announced about 3am.

The results of the Worcestershire County Council elections, being held the same day, are due to be announced by noon on Friday.