THE British National Party's bid to get a political foothold in the south west has been soundly beaten by voters in Swindon.

Heading into yesterday's election, the far right party had been buoyed by reports that they were gaining support.

But part-time cleaner Reg Bates, pictured, was beaten into third place after attempting to take the Gorse Hill and Pinehurst seat on the borough council.

The seat was won by Labour, whose leader Kevin Small said: "Congratulations to the people of Gorse Hill for not being duped by the BNP.'' The election saw the Tories gain five seats to increase their majority on the 59-member council to 40.

Nationally it was a bad night for Prime Minister Tony Blair as Labour lost more than 100 seats.