As the polls are set to close in the next half an hour, votes will be transported by civil servants from the polling stations to quite a spectacular location for the count.

While most constituencies such as neighbouring North East and North West Hampshire take place in freezing sports halls or schools, the Basingstoke count is taking place at the four-star Hampshire Court Hotel.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Admittedly, the count is happening in the comfortable venue's rather large tennis hall but it certainly is more glamorous than most counts.

It has a spa, a pool and a late-night bar for those much-needed drinks to keep candidates going throughout the night. 

Reporter Tim Birkbeck arrived at Hampshire Court Hotel around an hour ago. He said: "Once again the count for Basingstoke is held at the Hampshire Court Hotel, but there is a much more of a Christmasy feel to things than usual. 

"The hall where counters are arriving has been split off, with one end of it being reserved for a Christmas party. 
Currently there is a lot of laughter among the volunteers who will be counting people's votes, but step outside the count venue and there are festive lights all around the restaurant giving a bit of a juxtaposition for the two rooms in this grand venue."

Follow our live coverage here: https://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/18098491.general-election-2019-live-less-two-hours-polls-close-last-minute-voters-turn/