INDEPENDENT candidate Dean McCastree made history as the first black man to be voted onto Thanet council.

He ousted long-serving Conservative Dennis Payne by one vote - 433 to 432 - to take a seat in Westbrook ward.

In an emotional speech Mr Payne, 83, who became a councillor in 1979, thanked friends and colleagues and added: "I have enjoyed my time tremendously. Working as a councillor got me through the sad days when my wife died and enabled me to find a new way forward."

Fellow Conservative Mick Tomlinson who topped the poll in the ward with 567 votes paid tribute and added: "Dennis has been a marvellous servant to the people of Thanet and we wish him well."

Cllr McCastree, who was born in St Lucia, was brought up and educated in England. After serving in the Army, he now works as a financial trader and is a former member of Lambeth Council where he was involved in planning and licensing.

He said: "Regeneration and economic development is key to Thanet’s success. It is up to all of us to encourage the private sector to support our drive to create decent jobs and prosperity for residents."

* Cllr Payne is a former leader and vice chairman of the council. He has been mayor of Margate twice and deputy mayor four times.