THE beaten Lib Dem candidate for Ilford North at the general election has thanked those who supported him.

Alex Berhanu got nearly 6,000 votes in yesterday's election, coming in third place overall behind Conservative winner Lee Scott on 21,506 and Labour's Sonia Klein who came second with 16,102.

Mr Berhanu, a 51-year-old father-of-two, said he would stand again in the constituency if given the chance.

He said: "I studied the voting history in Ilford North so didn't really expect to win, but I'm glad I stood here.

"I was disappointed that the Conservatives increased their vote.

"I received a great reception from the people of Ilford North, and I thank them for that."