THE Prime Minister has written thanks to an East Lancashire party worker who helped to secure massive swings to Labour in normally safe Tory seats during the General Election.

Tony Blair praised Colne Labour county councillor Tim Ormrod for his skills and dedication during the campaign.

Coun Ormrod was a Labour Party organiser in Blackpool during the run-up to the election. Both of the resort's key seats were gained with massive swings. He also spent a long time over the winter organising in the Wirral South by-election which saw Labour's Ben Chapman swept into office with an 8,000 majority.

Coun Ormrod said: "It was a very nice surprise to receive a personal acknowledgment from Tony Blair. All my family were delighted."

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