Donald Trump wins electoral college vote

                               

The US electoral college has certified Donald Trump as president, despite a last-ditch effort to deny him the White House.

Six weeks after winning the polls, the Republican has secured the 270 votes needed to formalise his victory.

Electors had been flooded with emails and phone calls urging them not to support Mr Trump.

Texas ultimately put the billionaire over the 270 threshold, despite two of its electors voting against him.

The result will be officially announced on 6 January in a special joint session of Congress.

Thousands of anti-Trump protesters had gathered at state capitals across the country, urging Republican electors to abandon their party's candidate.

Over 200 demonstrators braved sub-zero temperatures in Pennsylvania, chanting, "No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA!" and "No treason, no Trump!'"

In Maine, protesters beat drums and waved signs saying, "don't let Putin Pick Our President" - a reference to allegations that Kremlin-backed hackers tried to sway the election in Mr Trump's favour.