Former village GP Dr Richard Hirson last night sailed to an overwhelming victory in the Manea Parish Council by-election.

Dr Hirson, who retired as the Manea doctor after 25 years in October last year, polled 469 votes nearly three times as many as his nearest rival Scott Payne who won 168.

Third candidate Nicola Robertson took just 17 votes.

A new boundary change meant Dr Hirson’s home at Horseway is now included in the Manea parish.

He became the village doctor in 1990 and built a new modern surgery shortly afterwards.

In his election material Dr Hirson promised to work to ensure there are more local jobs, more local services and better transport.

Over the years he has been involved with Manea Connect and funded the village magazine Manea Matters for many years as well as launching the Healthy Village scheme.

He urged voters: “Vote for a guy that knows the village, its people and has committed much to it.”

Mr Payne, who was quick to congratulate the doctor on his victory, also promised to push for better facilities for the village. He is the vice-chairman of Manea Gala Committee.

He said: “Well done Dr Hirson. And a big thank-you to all who voted for me. I got a lot of votes - but sadly not enough.”

The turnout for the election, which was called following the death of Councillor Ian Woodard in November, was 35.7 per cent.