TORIES hung on to power in Rochford holding all but one of their ten seats.

Long-standing councillor Carole Weston kept her seat in Hockley central with 2,646 votes - the largest majority of the area.

Highes turnout in the wards was Trinity with 74 per cent for Councillor James Grey, the oldest member on the council.

One of the biggest upsets of the day was the Tories narrowly losing their Hullbridge seat to Green candidate Michael Hoy.

Conservative Brian Hazlewood recieved 1,302 votes but Mr Hoy scooped the victory with 1,446 - a majority of 144.

The only Independent councillor on Rochford council, John Mason, held on to his seat in Hawkwell West.

It was a narrow win however as Tory Ian Ward came a close second just 105 votes behind.