THE Conservatives have held on to control of Thurrock Council on a night of drama at the Civic hall.

On the evening they won 10 of the 18 seats up for election, with Labour getting six.

The BNP, who fielded candidates in all the wards, won one, with Emma Colgate taking Tilbury Riverside from Labour. East Tilbury independent Barry Palmer held his seat.

Two well-known faces, Labour's Gordon Gambier and the Tories' Gareth Davies were both high profile casualties.

The overall make-up of the Council now is Conservative 24, Labour 22, Independent 2 and BNP 1.