A result is expected within the next half an hour for the Hertsmere parliamentary elections.

Returning officer Donald Graham expects the final count to be announced at approximately 1.45am and he, along with many of the councillors, says he is impressed with the turnout.

He said: “Last year we had a 63 per cent turnout with 43,000 votes but reports from the stations suggest we are closer to 70 per cent.”

Labour candidate Sam Russell said he was impressed with the number of voters turning out at this years event and Liberal Democrat candidate Sandy Walkington was equally pleased.

He said: “It is great to see so many young people voting and there could be a record turnout this year.”

One man was turned away from his polling station as he did not have a ballot card but Liberal Democrat councillor Lynne Hodgson said she drove him to another so he could place his vote.

She said: “It is great to see that people really want to vote. I didn't care who he was voting for, I just wanted to help him out.”