THE Lib Dems gained a clean sweep of the three Launceston seats and two Bude area ones up for grabs on Cornwall Council in the local elections on Thursday, writes Keith Whitford, the editor.

Sitting member Alex Folkes won Launceston Central with 551 from Philip William Tucker (Conservative) on 134.

In Launceston North and North Petherwin, sitting councillor Adam Paynter came out on top, gaining 769 votes with his nearest rival being Graham Ford (UKIP) on 364 in a five-candidate contest.

Newcomer Jade Lynne Farrington took Launceston South with 452 votes from James Alan Wonnacott (UKIP) on 239 in another contest of five candidates.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.