• For full profiles of all of the candidates visit our Election Section here.

D-DAY is almost here for Worcester’s political parties - with thousands of voters across the city set to cast their votes in the local elections tomorrow.

The canvassing is all but over, with residents due to have their say on the council’s ruling Conservative administration.

The mammoth operation will see schools, church halls, sports centres, youth clubs and community buildings turned into makeshift polling booths, as well as well-known venues like the Guildhall and Swan Theatre.

A total of 65 polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm, with up to 62,712 people able to vote and 132 council staff manning them.

There are seats up for grabs in 12 wards across Worcester - one third of the council’s total - with the Tories defending a majority of just one.

The Conservatives 18 councillors compares to 12 Labour, three Liberal Democrat and two independents, leaving the authority’s political control on a knife-edge.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, leader of the city council, said: “If people want a council which will freeze council tax, cut parking charges and invest in the economy, there’s only one choice - that’s Conservative.”

But Councillor Adrian Gregson, Labour group leader, said his party would “protect people, build more affordable homes and make Worcester a fairer place.”

Councillor Sue Askin, leader of Worcester’s Liberal Democrats, said they had a “track record of working with residents” and that her party would mould a “stable, responsible” council.

Duncan Sharkey, managing director of the council, said: “I’d urge everyone who has the right to vote today to get down to their polling station and make sure their voice is heard.”

A key battle is expected in Claines, where the Liberal Democrats are expecting a big challenge from the Tories.

Other wards to watch include Nunnery and St John’s, where independent councillors Mike Layland and Margaret Layland have stepped down.

• Worcester News coverage starts on this website at around 9am, with a live blog being updated throughout the day.

We'll bring you news and general musings, including results as they happen, and readers can add their own comments direct to the site or on Twitter using the hashtag #WNelections

There will also be a full report on the outcome on our website in the early hours of Friday morning.