The Bolton News covered every base during the local elections, providing its most comprehensive coverage yet.

A six-man team was sent to Bolton Arena to cover the count and log the results.

It included three reporters, a video camera operator, two photographers and the paper’s digital content editor armed with a laptop.

Together, they ensured all the results and reaction was posted to the web first with exclusive video content that included an interview with MP Ruth Kelly and key councillors.

With online analysis and a full round-up finishing off the package, it ensured readers of The Bolton News were the first to get a broken down version of the town’s results, beating its rivals.

Back at the office, the editor, assistant editor and sub-editors ensured the newspaper coverage was equally comprehensive with five pages devoted to the local elections in time for the 4am deadline.

Digital content editor David Crookes said: “It was hard work but it was worth it. At one point, the large number of people logging on caused the website to stall for 10 minutes and that shows the importance of offering a full news service online.”

Assistant editor James Higgins added: “With in excess of 135,000 unique users logging on to our website on a regular basis, it is essential to us that we provide as comprehensive a web service as possible. We pulled out all the stops for the local election this year and were very pleased with the results.”