THE BNP has failed in a bid to win a seat on Mirfield Council.

Conservative candidate Michelle Gilbert retained the Battyeford seat for the party in yesterday's by-election.

But she had a majority of just 39 over BNP candidate Karl Hanson.

The election followed the removal of former Conservative councillor Lester Edon from the council because of his non-attendance.

The full result is: Michelle Gilbert (Con) 393, Karl Hanson (BNP) 354, Roy Dobson (Lab) 239, Imelda Marsden (Ind) 76.