UKIP is ready to 'grasp' its opportunity 'with both hands' after 62,487 residents in the town backed the decision to leave the EU.

The party's members have been on the streets campaigning since the referendum was confirmed.

And chairman of UKIP's Warrington branch, Trevor Nicholls, believes it is a 'very exciting time' for the party.

He said: "We've had a passionate team working hard on the referendum for four months and it has been brilliant.

"We have met people from a range of nationalities and have made a strong connection – it has been an incredible experience.

"It is a very exciting time for us. We are here to stay – we are building a solid core in Warrington.

"I have loads of ideas and can say that UKIP will be getting more active in Warrington's politics. We will build on this success and grasp it with both hands.

"In this referendum people voted against Labour – the town's ruling party.

"I want to thank every single member of the Leave team – it is the best team I have ever worked with and it was an absolute pleasure to be part of it.

"I also want to thank each of the voters in the town for supporting Leave, it means so much to me and we will work our hardest for them."

Mr Nicholls defended UKIP leader Nigel Farage after he came under fire following the result and he hit back at claims surrounding 'project fear'.

"I think you have to accept that there would not have been a referendum without UKIP or without the work of Mr Farage," he added.

"It was regrettable that Mr Farage was side-lined a bit during the campaign.

"The campaigning from the Remain side has been nasty. There is no more 'project fear' with us than there is in the Remain camp.

"I think David Cameron really underestimated this. People are angry and want change."

The 62,487 votes amounted to 54 per cent of the town's electorate.