Spain's ruling party suffers heavy losses in elections

Spain's ruling Socialist Party has suffered heavy losses in regional and local elections - punished for its handling of the economic crisis.

Party officials were braced for a defeat even before results began rolling in.

Voting took place against the background of nationwide protests and demonstrators say they will continue the sit-ins and rallies for another week.

The BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Madrid says supporters of the opposition Popular Party have been celebrating strong gains.