内容摘要：Its tally of 677 council seats represented 41% of all those being contested on Thursday, 10 points above its share of the vote, a nod to both the nature of the voting system and Reform's ability to cluster votes. That boost helped the party win control of as many as 10 councils, something that Reform's predecessor, UKIP, never managed at the height of its popularity in the run up to the 2015 general election.

Its tally of 677 council seats represented 41% of all those being contested on Thursday, 10 points above its share of the vote, a nod to both the nature of the voting system and Reform's ability to cluster votes. That boost helped the party win control of as many as 10 councils, something that Reform's predecessor, UKIP, never managed at the height of its popularity in the run up to the 2015 general election.

"I also had responsibility for Prime Ministerial broadcasts with Anthony Eden, which I wasn't all that interested in, but nonetheless I had the responsibilities."Had it happened three years earlier I probably would have been there.

"It is always a joy to visit Bristol, the city has a regional personality."If you're a broadcaster, particularly a natural history broadcaster, there is nowhere else like Bristol in the world."In his 98th year, Sir David's next programme is a

which will premiere later in 2024.But despite the global acclaim his career has earned him, he remains very modest about his role in the shows he presents.

"I'm given huge credit for things that have nothing to do with me, because I speak the words and that's the easiest business part of the entire outfit," he said.

"A lot of people think that I'm there recording the programme, working the camera, working out the travel and putting in the expertise, whereas all of these things are part of the team.The new sculpture has been carved by Saul Sheldon at Hereford Cathedral's Stonemason's Yard, a few metres away from where the real Dan lived.

"He's climbing out of the reeds, out of the river," said Mr Sheldon."If he was just sat there, gazing up at the clouds it would have been a bit easier I suppose but it's nice to do something a bit different.

"The old wooden one, he's been on his travels down the Wye."Hopefully this one will be much harder to tip over, that's for sure."