LABOUR held on to the North Bonnyrigg/Lasswade seat on Midlothian

District Council with a much increased majority in a by-election

following the resignation of long-serving councillor Mrs Thelma Lennie.

Mrs Lennie won the seat last year with a majority of 12 over the Tories,

who were pushed from second to third place.

The victorious candidate, Mr Bill Geddes, polled 708 votes, 177 ahead

of his nearest rival Ms Liz Bogue of the Scottish National Party (531).

She was followed by Conservative Jeff Stoddart (376), and Liberal

Democrat Andrew Johnston (69). Turnout was 48.5%.