THOUSANDS of ballot papers have begun arriving at the General Election count in Harrow.

The lines of volunteers have begun counting the ballot papers to check all have arrived at Harrow Leisure Centre safely from the polling stations around the borough, before they start totting up the number of votes cast for each candidate.

George Curran, head of legal services for Harrow Council, who is coordinating the count, said a result is expected at some point between 3am and 4am, providing everything goes smoothly.

Tory and Labour bigwigs have arrived to observe the count, and are lining up behind the volunteers to check all votes go to the right candidate.

Mr Curran said he is not anticipating the need for a recount in the two constituencies – Harrow West and Harrow East – though he said that is a distinct possibility tomorrow when the local election results are worked out.

Both Tory and Labour activists are saying they are optimistic in both seats being contested.