PHILIP Dunne has been re-elected as the MP for the Ludlow constituency doubling the size of his previous majority in the process.

Conservative Mr Dunne secured 26,093 votes giving him a majority of 18,929 over his closest challenger UKIP’s David Kelly.

Mr Dunne told those attending the count at Teme Leisure on Bromfield Road that voters had responded to the Government’s message of continuing the economic recovery.

"It's been great to have had such a good response right across the constituency," said Mr Dunne.

"People have been very receptive to the message about continuing the economic recovery."

Mr Dunne added that he had been very active campaigning across the constituency.

"I have got a sun tan for the first time in five years," said Mr Dunne. "I have walked every day and lost half a stone."

The Liberal Democrat candidate Charlotte Barnes, who was forced into third place behind UKIP, said she felt this had been an unusual election.

"I don't think this is a true reflection to how things will go in the future. I think it's a blip," she said.

The full results were as follows: Philip Dunne (Conservative) 26,093;

Charlotte Barnes (Liberal Democrat) 6,469; David Kelly (UKIP) 7,104;

Janet Phillips (Green) 2,435; and Simon Slater (Labour) 5,902.

Turnout was 72.65%.