ELECTION night this month spelled celebration for twin-sisters who were both elected as local councillors hundreds of miles apart.

Despite not discussing it between them both Deb Davies, of Newport, and her twin Jo White, of Nottinghamshire, decided to run for election for the Labour party this year.

The two won a seat each in Newport council's Beechwood ward and Bassetlaw district council's Worksop East ward respectively.

The two have been known to buy identical birthday cards, buy similar dresses or even turn up to family events wearing similar clothing without even discussing it.

The pair also share a passion for campaigning for Labour - Cllr Davies serves as secretary for the Newport East Constituency Labour Party, while Cllr White won the 2012 Labour East Midlands Campaigner of the Year award.

Cllr White is also the wife of John Mann, Labour MP for the Nottinghamshire constituency of Bassetlaw, and works as his office manager.

"I'm delighted. It wasn't something that I planned or discussed, it's lovely," said Ms Davies.

She said she didn't know why the coincidences crop up: "We think alike. When Jo had her first daughter I was on holiday in Bournemouth, she gave birth at 2.30pm.

"I just knew she had given birth - I went out and bought baby clothes even though I couldn't ring and check."

The pair both have children - which Ms White said sometimes get the two mums confused.

"We continue to have a common bond and starting out together on the council means it’s a shared experience across the miles."