THE CONSERVATIVES have secured a resounding victory in this year's General Election for Thirsk, Malton and Filey with an even greater majority.

Kevin Hollinrake polled 27,545 votes, compared to 20,167 secured by Anne McIntosh who was deselected by the local Conservative Association last year.

Labour's Alan Avery was second with 8,089 votes, Toby Horton, from UKIP, third with 7,805, while Liberal Democrat candidate Di Keal received 4,703 votes.

Chris Newsam, of the Green Party, polled 2,404 votes, Liberal Party candidate John Clark, gaining 1,127 votes and anti-fracking campaigner Philip Tate, 692 votes.

Mr Hollinrake thanked everyone for their support and his parents who had set his ambition 'round the dining room table'.

"It has been a difficult time in the Association and I would like to thank Anne on behalf of the people she helped as well as the fine work she did for the farming industry," he said.

"Now it is time for unity, a time for move on. There have been some tough times, some good times but I don't see bad times ahead if we all work together."

Mr Hollinrake said that, although local people were lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country, there were times when they needed help and he was keen to see more investment in the area.

"I will help to get their voice heard because that is what politics is about, I am here to help people when things go wrong," he added.

"It is an honour, a great responsibility and a great privilege to represent Thirsk, Malton and Filey."

The result was announced at around 7.20am at Malton Community Sports Centre following a delay due to a verification discrepancy.

Mr Hollinrake has worked as an estate agent through most of his working life, and set up successful agency Hunters with business partner John Waterhouse in 1992.

The business now has 112 branches across the country.

Mr Hollinrake went to Easingwold School before studying physics at Sheffield Polytechnic. He is married to Nikky and they have four children aged between six and 17.