EASTLEIGH Tory group leader Godfrey Olson is to notch up an amazing half-century of service on the council following his re-election to the authority last night.

Councillor Olson stormed to victory in the Hiltingbury East ward notching up a 610-vote majority over his closest rival.

The retired estate agent was first elected to the council in May 1955 and has served two terms as mayor of the enlarged borough since local government reorganisation in 1974.

Speaking to the Daily Echo after his re-election to the council he said: "I entered my 50th year at the beginning of May and it is nice to be re-elected.