Sandwich’s longest serving councillor regained his seat on the town council in last week’s by-election.

Jeffery Sneller (Con), who previously served the town for 32 years but lost out in the May 2015 election, has been voted in.

He defeated Dick Perry (Lib Dem) and Sara Trillo (Lab), gaining 378 votes. Only 29 votes separated him from the Labour candidate.

He replaces Charles Miller in the North ward after he resigned from the council in March following a disagreement over traffic measures.

Mr Sneller, of Whitefriars Way, said: “I’m really pleased and will do my best to make a contribution to Sandwich.”

The election was combined with the poll for the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and took place in the Meeting Room inside the Guildhall, on Thursday.

He added: “I was encouraged by the support on the day. I had people coming up to me and thanking me for standing again. I’m looking forward to it.”

The chartered building surveyor says his interests will include planning matters where he hopes to bring some expertise.

Mr Sneller is the vice-chairman of the trustees at Sandwich Age Concern.

He is also a member of Rotary, responsible for starting the Sandwich Festival and the founder member of the Sandwich Sonsbeck Twinning Association.

Labour candidate Mrs Trillo, of St Peter’s Street, is new to politics. Although disappointed with the result she said she was delighted at the turnout.

She said: “Obviously it is a huge regret not to be elected but I’m proud it was so close.

“With only six weeks notice we were able to narrow the result to just 29 votes in the Tories’ heartland and inspire so many people out to vote Labour.

“People want an alternative and we offer that. We can do much better given more time and I’m sure we can win next time.

“It’s important that someone is standing up for Sandwich and offers a real, energised alternative. I’ll continue as a member of the Labour Party to fight for the town and our national treasures such as the BBC and NHS.”

Labour’s current representative on Sandwich Town Council, Cllr David Wood, is encouraged by the result.

He said: “Sara ran a fantastic campaign and really connected with people. It’s a huge disappointment she wasn’t elected but as a local resident of Sandwich she will keep on working for the people of Sandwich in a voluntary role.”

Cllr Sneller paid tribute to his opponent. He said: “I was surprised by how many votes a first timer got. She did well so all the best to her.”