A NAME synonymous with Thurrock politics is back in the council chamber after a former Mayor reclaimed a place on the council.

Former Mayor Gerard Rice proved himself to be a comfortable winner when stepping into the shoes of veteran councillor Gordon Barton in Chadwell St Mary.

The former councillor for Stifford Clays, who lost his seat on the council in 2004, wasted little time in turning on the BNP.

The far right party did edge their way into second place with a sizeable 640 votes, but that cut little ice with councillor Rice.

He said: ""I would just like to thank the people of Chadwell St Mary for returning me.

"I'm sure my late father Pat Rice would be very proud of the people of Chadwell for rejecting the BNP because we don't want that rubbish in our town."

Conservative candidate Amanda Redsell, who attained 515 votes, remained bullish about her future election chances, saying: "I'll have to try harder."

Result:

Gerard Rice (Lab) 925

Bryn Robinson (BNP) 640

Amanda Redsell (Con) 515

Peter Saunders (Lib Dem) 119

Maj 285

Lab hold

Turnout 31%