CONSERVATIVE Robert Syms has romped to victory in his battle for a fourth term in Poole - polling his largest majority yet.

Mr Syms won 22,532 votes - a majority of 7,541 - that's 1,553 more than in his 2005 win.

But in second place the Liberal Democrats once again built on their share, winning 14,991 votes - up from 11,583 in 2005.

The swing appeared to come from Labour - which saw its vote in Poole drop by more than 3,000.

Mr Syms appeared relaxed and confident throughout the count at the Lighthouse arts centre, which continued into the early hours, with the declaration being made by returning officer Paul Morris shortly before 5am.

In his acceptance speech Mr Syms thanked the his "wonderful supporters", and his opponents for a "traditional fair fight".

Predicting a Tory government, he added: "It's a good result for Poole, and I think a good result for the country."

He added: "I look forward to the years ahead when I am sure we will be the party of government. We will be responsible and do our best to deliver a better Britain."

He told the Daily Echo he was raring to go and would have to "get used to sitting on the other side" in the commons.

Borough of Poole councillor and Liberal Democrat candidate Philip Eades said: "It's a big increase in support for us in the Poole constituency. There's obviously been a major swing to the Conservatives nationally, and that's hard for me to fight against locally, but I'm absolutely delighted with the increase to almost 15,000 - it's beyond the target we set ourselves."

Labour candidate Jason Sanderson polled 6,041 - compared with 9,376 votes for Labour in 2005.

UKIP's Nick Wellstead came in fourth with 2,507 - almost 1,000 more than the previous election.

The BNP more than doubled their votes - with candidate David Holmes polling 1,188.

Independent Ian Northover won 177 votes.

Voter turnout in the constituency increased from 63.30 per cent to 65 per cent.