POSTAL voting will encourage young people to vote, according to Worcester MP Mike Foster.

He is urging the city council to adopt a system of universal postal voting for local elections to boost turn out figures.

Mr Foster has carried out a study of voters aged 18-24 in his constituency. One of the questions he asked concerned voting by post, on-line or by text messaging.

The results revealed that three out of four young people said they supported the call to vote by post or other ways, rather than going to a polling station.

Of those who did not vote at the last election, 82 per cent said they were more likely to vote if they had a postal vote.

"These results are proof positive that Worcester City Council should adopt a system of universal postal voting for local elections.

"Each year, everyone makes comments about the poor turnout - now we have evidence that people will vote, if the council makes it easier," he said.

A recent Electoral Commission report showed that turnouts double with postal voting.

Mr Foster claims his figures show beyond all doubt that a change is needed.

"It is now up to the great and the good at the Guildhall to show some leadership and give young voters what they want.

"To ignore them, to ignore the evidence, would be a slap in the face for democracy," he said.

"Young people are the group most often quoted as not being interested in voting, but my survey suggests the opposite.

"The are interested, they do have strong views, but they want to have a more convenient way of voting," he added.

Mr Foster's survey went to more than 2,500 young people in the city and covered a range of issues including citizenship classes, the euro and the legalisation of cannabis.

A report is currently being prepared for Worcester City Council's cabinet on the issue of postal voting for discussion in the near future.