Fresh from causing a major upset at the recent local elections, Winsford's newest political group hopes its success will inspire people in other areas to take on the traditional parties.

Winsford Salt of the Earth took 14 of 15 seats on Winsford Town Council - wiping out the Labour majority - and three of the seven Winsford seats on Cheshire West and Chester Council.

It marked a dramatic rise for the group in local politics, having only been founded earlier this year by Ernie Welch - who owns The Old Star pub and was recently returned as town councillor for Dene.

Launched with the intention of putting ‘people before politics' and putting Winsford first, the group now hopes residents in other areas will be inspired to follow suit.

Cllr Welch said: "There has been national interest in our incredible success and it is possible that other towns where there is a sense of neglect by mainstream parties may adopt and adapt our approach - we hope they do.

"It is an approach that was born here in Winsford and which we believe is currently unique, but clearly it has struck a chord with people and this is just the beginning."

The group's successful candidates are yet to be sworn in and, although they will operate under the Salt of the Earth banner on the town council, they will be classed as independents at Cheshire West, as Salt of the Earth did not register as a political party with the council.

The group began putting its team together only two months ago and described the campaign as 'tough' but said they were raring to get going.

Cllr Welch added: "Having had an initial discussion with the town clerk, we are confident that, working as one seamless Winsford Salt of the Earth team and in partnership with residents and local community groups, we can deliver on all of our campaign pledges and we are excited to get started.

"We will release details of our order of attack on those pledges, timescales for each in the coming weeks along with details of how how you can get more involved."