Pembrokeshire has returned another conservative candidate at the polls, this time in yesterday's St Michael's ward by election.

In a close fought battle Aden Brinn, Conservative, narrowly beat the Liberal Democrat candidate, Gareth Jones by only nine votes. Mr Brinn gained 251 votes and Mr Jones 242 .

The by-election follows the death of county councillor John Allen earlier this year.

Mr Brinn is a Pembroke town councillor, who was born in the ward and has live there for most of his life. He has twice been mayor of Pembroke and is currently chairman of the Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Joint twinning and tourism committee.

He said that his priorities will be to preserve the heritage of Pembroke, promote the town and improve services.

His appointment has been greeted with enthusiasm by Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb: "Aden has achieved a superb victory in this local by-election," said Mr Crabb. " He is extremely hard-working and will make a great Councillor.

"For the first time in years, the Conservative Party now has representation on Pembrokeshire County Council.

"I hope Aden's victory will encourage my party to field more candidates for County Council elections in future so that local people have the option of voting for a hard-working Conservative councillor in their neighbourhood."

Other votes returned in yesterday's elections were: David Edwards, Labour, 142 votes and David Owen, independent, 184.