Student Helen Wood has been elected Kent Union president in the university’s highest election turnout to date.

A total of 4,277 students voted online in five days, with six candidates contesting to lead the Student Union.

After six rounds, with 94 votes separating first from second, Miss Wood secured victory.

Miss Wood, the current Eliot President, said she would make "small changes".

Outgoing president Tom Christian congratulated his successor.

He said: "She’s worked hard and is going to be fantastic."

From the 14,111 students who were emailed ballots, 30.3 per cent voted, an increase of 677 voters, and an 18.8 per cent rise in turnout compared with 2008.