AMONG the seasoned politicians gathering for the vote count in Gravesham is a woman who is experiencing an election for the first time - as both a candidate and a voter.

Independent candidate Alice Sakura Dartnell, 23, did not even vote in 2005, so the election experience is completely new for her.

But she says she does not feel overawed as she watches the votes counted at Woodville Halls alongside experienced politicians such as Tory Adam Holloway, and Labour's Kathryn Smith.

She said: “To be here watching the count does feel surreal but I'm glad to be here representing young people, who are often unheard in politics.”