Tories took seats in Wales, Wickersley and Anston and Woodsetts, where long-serving Labour member Robin Stonebridge lost out to Darren Hughes.

The far-right British National Party – which also took the Brinsworth and Catcliffe seat – becomes the third largest party in the borough.

Ousted Labour councillor of 16 years Glyn Robinson said he did not know if the people of Maltby realised what they had done.

"I think they will live to regret this," he said following the vote count, which stretched into the early hours of Friday.

"I'm very disappointed, and having represented them for so long I'm really sorry that they have chosen to elect the BNP. It's a party that stands for nothing but racism and outright bigotry."

Independent candidate Keith Stringer was 'gobsmacked' by the result.

"This just shows that the people of Maltby need to be working together," he said. "If it had been anyone else, fair enough, but there is no way I can wish this new man good luck."

Victorious BNP member Will Blair refused to comment on his success in Maltby.

Mr Stonebridge - who resigned as chairman of Anston Parish Council last year - said there was 'an element of spite' from a number of people in his ward, which had contributed to his defeat.

"I'm very disappointed and just hope the promises that have been made during the campaign will be fulfilled," he added.

"I have represented Anston and Woodsetts for 23 years but now I will have to take stock."

Incoming Conservative councillor Darren Hughes said he had been quietly confident of achieving a favourable result.

He said: "I'm looking forward to working with some of the community groups, and working to improving the conditions of the roads, which is a big problem in our area."

Another Tory gain came in Wales, where 21-year-old Thomas Fenoughty took Labour's Karl Barton's seat on the borough council.

"I'm over the moon," he said. "I will be making sure young people are represented on the council. Through sports and leisure activities we can make sure young people have something to do with their time rather than just go out and get drunk."

Elsewhere in the south of Rotherham, Simon Tweed replaced fellow Labour member Phil Wardle, who steps down from the borough council after more than 30 years.

Also for Labour, Hilda Jack was re-elected to her Holderness seat and Jeb Nightingale will continue to represent Rother Vale.

Tory John Turner held on to his Hellaby seat, with a clear majority of more than double that of both his fellow candidates.

Labour retains control of Rotherham Council with 50 of the 63 seats. The Conservatives now hold 10, the BNP two with one independent.