He has defeated Democrat Jimmy Carter in the US presidential elections by a huge majority.

At the age of 69, Mr Reagan will be America's oldest president. His running mate, former head of the CIA George Bush, will be his vice-president.

The Republicans took state after state in the east, south and mid-west, with results from their stronghold in the west still to come. So far Mr Reagan's electoral vote tally stands at 238 while Mr Carter's is just 35.

Attack on economy

In the last speech of his campaign last night, Mr Reagan with his wife Nancy, addressed 30,000 supporters at a car park of a shopping centre in San Diego, California.

He spoke of the state of the American economy under President Carter as "a major tragedy for the American family".

"In eight years here as your governor," he said, "I learned to have faith in you, the people and I envision a leadership as President taking government off your backs and turning you loose to do what I know you can do best."

His speech was followed by a dazzling firework display after which he returned to his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles to spend polling day resting.

The outgoing president's popularity has suffered following the energy crisis and petrol queues. It seems his failure to negotiate a release of US hostages currently held in Iran has sealed his fate.

Surveys of public opinion also suggest Mr Reagan's performance in last Tuesday's televised debate convinced many he was the most suitable candidate.