There was jubilation at the Sandwell local elections count as the BNP lost their seats on the council.

Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green candidates and party activists all cheered when the news was announced that the council is now a 'BNP free zone'.

Firstly the announcement was made that Labour won Tividale from the BNP with Jayne Wilkinson clinching the seat and forcing the far right into fourth.

And then it emerged in the Princes End ward Labour's Suzanne Hartwell had beaten the BNP incumbent Russ Green who was forced into third place behind the Conservatives.

The previous night he had been defeated in the West Bromwich West Constituency where he made a speech claiming he 'would eat his boots' if the election was fair.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper was punching the air in delight after a string of Labour gains from the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the BNP.

He said: "This is a brilliant day for the people of Sandwell and for the Labour Party.

"We are delighted that this council is now a BNP free zone and that their share of the vote has been pushed back back down to third and fourth place in Sandwell."

He added: "Labour has done fantastically well, it is great news that we have gained places like Blackheath and I think it is the voters responding to our manifesto pledges, Sandwell will be the first people's council."

Conservative deputy leader in Sandwell Councillor Raymond Nock said: "After last night's results when we made inroads into Tom Watson's and Adrian Bailey's majorities and won in Halesowen and Rowley Regis we expected a lot better today but it was not to be.

"However, it is great news, no matter what party you are from that the BNP have been kicked out of Sandwell Council."