THE UK has voted to leave the European Union.

Across Wales 52.5 per cent of voters chose to leave the EU, a total of 854,572 people compared to 47.5 per cent supporting remain (772,347)

The Vale of Glamorgan was one of just five Welsh council areas which voted in favour of remaining.

In the Vale itself, 36,681 (50.7 per cent) voted to remain with 35,628 (49.3 per cent) voting for leave.

Turnout in the area was 76.15 per cent with 72,347 votes cast out of an electorate of 95,011.

Gwynedd, Cardiff, Ceredigion and Monmouthshire were the other council areas that voted in favour of remaining.

Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty who was campaigning to remain in the EU voiced his disappointment.

He said: "I respect the result to leave the EU, but fear for our divided country and what this may say about us beyond views on a mere institution.

"I am proud too though that Cardiff and the Vale took a different view. I hope there is room and respect for difference in this new world."

Andrew RT Davies, south Wales central assembly member and leave campaigner said he was "immensely proud" that his party had delivered the referendum.

He said: "The will of the people has today been declared, and the result marks an historic moment of positive change for our country.

“Wales has sent a clear message that it wants to be part of that change, and politicians of all stripes must now come together to deliver on this momentous constitutional decision.

"What unites both sides of the campaign is our belief in in the democratic process and our love for our country.

"Our priority must now be to continue working to deliver on our commitments to the people of Wales."