LABOUR'S Lindsay Hoyle hung on to the seat, winning his fourth term as an MP.

His victory, with 21,515 votes came with a reduced majority of 2,593, down from 7,625 in 2005.

He fought off the challenge of Tory hopeful Alan Cullens to retain the seat, seen as a key target if the Conservatives were to form a majority Government.

The Tories polled 18,922 to finish a close second. Lib Dem Stephen Fenn trailed in third with 6,957.

UKIP candidate Nick Hogan polled 2,021 votes while Independent Chris Curtis garnered 359 supporters.

For the past 46 years, the party which won the General Election outright, has taken the seat of Chorley.

However that record came to an end, as Hoyle, son of former Nelson and Colne MP, Lord Doug Hoyle, held on.

A jubilant Mr Hoyle said: "Thank you to my supporters and all the voters in Chorley.

"It was a fantastic turnout and the real winner tonight is democracy.

"I give an untertaking to the people of Chorley to work diligently on their behalf."

Alan Cullens, also a borough councillor, said he was very disappointed but did not rule out standing again in the future.

Turnout was 70.42 per cent, up from 62.3 per cent in 2005.

The result was declared at 7.15am after a recount at the request of the Conservatives as the time approached 6am.

Since the last General Election in 2005, there have been some boundary changes, with Chorley losing the western part of the constituency.

Due to the redrawn boundary, the Chorley villages of Bretherton, Croston, Eccleston and Mawdesley voted for their MP in the South Ribble.