Worthing went to the polls today with the Liberal Democrats trying to seize control from the Tories.

Seats in 12 wards were up for grabs, with Mayor-elect John Livermore, a Conservative, defending Heene.

There are 20 Tory members on the borough council and 16 Lib Dems.

If the Lib Dems gain two seats, Worthing will have a hung council.

A number of long-serving councillors are standing down, including former Mayor David Chapman, who represented Selden for the Tories.

Selden is one of the Lib Dems' target seats, with former councillor James Doyle bidding to return. He stepped down in 1999.

They are also bidding for Gaisford and Castle, where Tory Mark O'Keeffe is defending his majority.

Mayor Valerie Sutton, due to hand over to Mr Livermore later this month, is contesting Salvington for the Tories.

Election issues include a 10.3 per cent rise in council tax, the seafront improvements and litter.

The count is at the Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road. Council chief executive Sheryl Grady is the returning officer.