RESIDENTS from across Bromsgrove are being invited to sign up to play their part in the May elections.

Hundreds are staff are taken on each year to ensure the smooth running of the council elections, with vacancies for a variety of paid roles including poll clerks, counters, presiding officers and runners.

Darren Whitney, electoral services manager, said: "To make elections happen and to make sure your vote counts we rely on a large number of people. There are a variety of jobs available whether it’s processing postal votes, helping out as a poll clerk at the polling stations, being a runner or counting votes.

“Each and every person who helps make an election happen is important and we can’t do it without you.

"Some do it because it’s a chance to get out and meet new people, others for a bit of extra money or a chance to be involved in the process that underpins our democracy.

“It doesn’t matter if you have no experience, if you’re interested in working this year’s election, come along and see what is on offer and what it takes to do the job. Whatever your reasons, we need you.”

Anyone interested in applying can attend one of three training sessions taking place in Bromsgrove and Redditch on February 21, 22 or 23.

A mock polling station will be set up to give attendees the opportunity to experience marking a register, issuing ballot papers and knowledge of how the count works.

Attendees will then have the opportunity to sign up to work at this year's election at the end of the session.

For anyone who has previously worked on an election, there will also be some advanced training events available for presiding officer and count supervisor roles.

For more information on the training timetable, and to book a place, contact Bromsgrove District Council's electoral services team on 01527 881421 or email elections@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.