In pictures: Election night

1 of 9 The race for 10 Downing Street is on. As polling stations close an exit poll suggests Tony Blair is on his way to an historic third term in power, but with a reduced majority.

2 of 9 Ballot boxes are rushed to counting stations around the country...

3 of 9 ...and hurriedly opened as counting begins, including here in Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy's constituency of Ross, Skye and Lochaber.

4 of 9 In Newton Aycliffe Police officer's watch over the unopened ballot boxes.

5 of 9 As in the previous three elections the first constituency to declare is Sunderland South, its result being announced at 2246 BST. It's a hold for Labour with Chris Mullin re-elected as MP.

6 of 9 Labour leader Tony Blair and his wife Cherie. Mr Blair was re-elected in Sedgefield with an 18,457 majority.

7 of 9 Conservative leader Michael Howard with his wife Sandra. Mr Howard was returned as MP for Folkestone and Hythe, almost doubling his majority

8 of 9 Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, with wife Sarah and their newborn baby, Donald. Mr Kennedy kept his seat in Ross, Skye and Lochaber

9 of 9 A giant ticker on BBC Television Centre in London - where Newsround is based - announces the Labour victory