THERE were a few surprises in the elections this year the main one being the high turnout.

Glyn Chambers, chief executive and local returning officer, announced all the results on the night. Speaking about the elections, he said: "We are delighted with the extent to which the postal ballot increased the turnout for the elections.

"The turnout overall for Congleton borough was 47.81 per cent, compared with just 28.6 per cent last year.

"We are absolutely delighted with this and the more people who take part in the vote the better it is for local democracy."

The political composition of the council now and prior to the elections are shown right.