THE Liberal Democrats are on course for their best election since the heyday of Lloyd George.

The canny campaign spearheaded by Charles Kennedy appeared to have hit a chord with the voters.

The party also seemed to be benefiting from tactical voting and the disenchantment with the Conservatives.

Latest predictions suggested that Mr Kennedy would have up to 60 MPs under his wing, compared to 47 in the last Parliament.

Party leaders said the call for increase incomes tax and guaranteed extra investment in public services had struck a chord with a substantial propertion of the electorate.

Torbay, a key marginal which the Tories had high hopes of winning back, was the first indication that the LibDems were in for an increased representation in the Commons.

Sitting candidate Adrian Sanders, defending a wafer thin majority of just 12 - the lowest in the country - said he was "staggered, stunned, amazed" at the size of the 6,708 majority.

He said: "In general, it was about public services and whether people want more spent on them or less. I think the people of Torbay have given a resounding 'yes' vote."

Reacting to the Liberal Democrat victory in Torbay, Mr Kennedy said the party was on course for a good night.

He said: "We are confident that all our MPs will hold our seats. Anything above that will make it a truly terrific night."