Residents of Worcester are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the upcoming local elections.

The deadline for registration is Tuesday, April 16, with the vote coming up on Thursday, May 2.

This will be the first chance for Worcester residents to vote for all 35 city councillors on the same day, as the Worcester City Council has transitioned to a system of once every four years.

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The council controls services such as planning, bin collection, housing, leisure, and parks.

Returning officer for Worcester, Shane Flynn, said: "Time is running out to make sure you can take part in Worcester's local elections.

"If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important to make sure you are correctly registered to vote.

"Remember, if you are not registered before midnight on April 16, you won't be able to take part, so please take five minutes to go to gov.uk/registertovote."

He added: "If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don't need to take any action.

"If in doubt, you can check with the City Council at electoralservices@worcester.gov.uk or by calling 01905 722530."

Moreover, voters must provide a photo ID at polling stations when they vote.

If they do not own one, they can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by Wednesday, April 24.

Accepted IDs include passports, driving licences, immigration documents, and certain travel passes such as older person's bus passes.

Expired IDs where the holder is recognisable will also be accepted.

For postal or proxy vote applications, the closing dates are 5pm on Wednesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 24 respectively.

For full details of new council electoral wards and further information on the elections, including applying for a postal or proxy vote, visit www.worcester.gov.uk/elections.