TENSION is mounting as counting gets under way for the Dartford constituency.

The marginal seat could see the Tories snatch it back for the first time since the 1997 election, when Labour triumphed.

As the 54 counters work through the votes, the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement and tension, with seven candidates at the count.

The candidates hoping to represent Dartford include Tory Gareth Johnson, Labour’s John Adams and Lib Dem James Willis.

Richard Palmer is standing for the UK Independence Party, while the English Democrats' candidate is Gary Rogers. Stephane Tindame is standing as an Independent and John Crockford is standing for the Fancy Dress Party.