THE Liberal Democrats have held their Levens seat on South Lakeland District Council following a by-election.

Businesswoman Annie Rawlinson won 57 per cent of the vote over Conservative candidate Brian Rendell.

She secured 569 votes while Mr Rendell picked up 430.

Mrs Rawlinson runs Njo Technology Ltd, an LED lighting company based in Kendal, and has lived in Levens for the last 16 years.

She said: "I am honoured to be elected and I will work tirelessly to try and repay the trust local people have put in me.  If I can ever help with any issue please do not hesitate to get in touch."

Liberal Democrat party president and South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: "Annie is a fantastic candidate, who ran a positive election campaign. 

"She is exactly what the council needs - a businesswoman who employs local people and cares about her community. She will be a great successor to Mary Orr and Brenda Woof. A true champion for Levens, Heversham, Leasgill and Brigsteer."

The election was called after previous councillor Mary Orr was advised by her doctor to step down.