AN overwhelming number of people who voted in a ballot over the future of Yarm want the town to return to its Yorkshire roots.

Huge queues formed as polling stations opened for people to decide if they wanted to leave Stockton and join Hambleton District and North Yorkshire councils.

The result was reported around 11pm on Tuesday night and although 89 per cent of those backed such a move it is not legally binding.

The campaign was organised by the group Yarm 4 Yorkshire. A total of 1,644 people voted and turnout was 24 per cent.

Heather Fowler, who was one of the first people to cast her vote at Levendale Primary School, said: "I certainly voted to rejoin Yorkshire because that is where we belong."

Residents of the town have become disgruntled with decisions being made by Stockton council which they feel are not in the best interests of Yarm.

Neil Snowdon, who also voted in support of the campaign, said: "It was most definitely a yes from me, there really is no other option as far as I'm concerned."

Polling stations were at Levendale Primary School, Challoner House, Yarm Primary School, Yarm Library, Layfield Primary School. No polling cards have been issued and no postal votes taken.