The LIBERAL Democrats have declared victory in a Hampshire by-election.

Liberal Democrat candidate Steve Hammond won the Bridgemary North seat on Gosport Borough Council last night.

He ran against Conservative candidate Richard Dickson and Labour candidate James Fox.

Mr Hammond won with a total of 644 votes – in comparison with Labour's 255 votes and the Conservatives 212.

The by-election in Bridgemary which had a turnout of 1,111 people (31.72 per cent) was called following the death of Labour Councillor Jill Wright in October.