Ananova:

A former mayor lost his council seat after an election was settled by getting the candidates to pick the longest pencil.

St Albans Tory Keith Stammers lost out to Lib Dem Judith Shardlow after their votes were tied at 1,131 each after three recounts.

The local elections saw the Lib Dems take back power at St Albans after losing it to no overall control in 1999.

Lib Dem David Poor, who won the Sopwell seat from Labour, welcomed the result.

"Tonight has been an excellent night. It is excellent work by all the Lib Dems," he said.