GREEN Party hopes of taking a seat in Kirkburton were dashed - by just five votes.

Tory councillor Christine Smith thought she had lost to her Green opponent Derek Hardcastle.

But a recount showed she had taken the seat with a majority of five.

Clr Smith said: "I'm thrilled to bits."

Initially it was thought Mr Hardcastle had claimed her seat by a margin of 17 votes but following the recount Clr Smith eased to victory.

A recount was also needed in Lindley.