LABOUR were able to successfully defend Harper Green ward despite a strong challenge from Farnworth and Kearsley First.

Hamid Khurram stood as the party’s candidate, following Mike Francis’ decision to stand down at this election.

But despite the fledgling party pulling off shocks in Farnworth and Kearsley, Khurram comfortably polled more than Lisa Weatherby, racking up 1910 votes to her 897.

Cllr Khurram said: “It was a tough campaign, we had a strong opposition, obviously we lost Farnworth but we put a lot of effort into it and I think the people of Harper Green have trusted me.”

Fellow Harper Green Labour councillor Sue Haworth, said she was grateful to all those who had helped in the campaign.

She said: “There have been lots of volunteers in Harper Green and it’s been great to listen to all the people who have said they are happy with what Labour is delivering.”