The Weaver Vale count is in full swing and Northwich's brand spanking new multi-million pound leisure venue, Memorial Court, has the honour of hosting it - its first event, less than 36 hours ahead of it opening to the public on Saturday, May 9.

There's a real buzz of activity about the place, which is unsurprising seeing as the Weaver Vale constituency has been one of the key battlegrounds in this general election, undoubtedly one of the tightest we've seen in years.

The first ballot box arrived at 10.17pm from Little Leigh and soon after they were coming thick and fast, sending the 70 or so count staff into action.

Sitting MP Conservative Graham Evans is defending a slim majority of 991 and Labour need just a 1.1% swing to paint Weaver Vale red.

Acting returning officer Vanessa Whiting said the team have had many dry runs and she's had no sleepless nights, apart from tonight.

Adopting the mantra 'less haste, more speed', she added that she is expecting a result no earlier than 4.30am.

UKIP candidate Amos Wright, who said he was feeling 'very good' about what the night has to bring, revealed his agent suffered a heart attack the day after he appointed him but added that the campaign had been really enjoyable and that his team have worked hard.

Candidates, their agents and assorted media are huddled together glued to BBC news, bringing us the latest from counting centres across the UK, and already hitting the refreshments table hard.