LABOUR retained its hold on Leigh Central ward with Myra Whiteside victorious in last Thursday's by-election for a seat on Wigan Council.

The vacancy, which arose because of the retirement of Kath Thomas, was also contested by the Conservative and Community Action parties.

The contest attracted just 17 per cent of the electorate and Labour's candidate polled over 60 per cent of the vote.

Afterwards Mrs Whiteside said: "I am happy to have this opportunity to represent the area where I live. I am determined to be a good councillor who speaks up for Leigh and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.

"I intend to do my very best for the people within my ward -- whichever way they voted. I offer my support and my telephone number is 01942 603842."

Result: Myra Whiteside (Labour) 904 votes, Peter Solinas (Community Action) 392, Tim Matthews (Conservative) 149.