THREE by-elections have been announced for Stourport-on-Severn.

A by-election will be held for the Mitton ward on Wyre Forest District Council, and for the Stour and Wilden ward on Stourport Town Council, following the resignation of Councillor Sara Fearn.

A by-election will also be held for the Areley Kings West ward on the town council - following the death long-standing member Councillor Maureen Mason, earlier this year.

All three by-elections will be held on Thursday, May 4 - the same day as the Worcestershire County Council elections.

The polling stations for the by-elections will be open between 7am and 10pm on May 4. All registered electors will be sent a polling card which will tell them where they can cast their vote.

Anyone interested in standing in the by-elections is invited to attend a briefing session at Wyre Forest House on Monday, March 20, at 10am. Signed nomination papers must be submitted by 4pm on Tuesday, April 4.

Ian Miller, returning officer, said: "We know people living in Stourport are passionate about their community and I would encourage anyone who is interested in representing these parts of the town to come along to the briefing session.  

"We will explain what they can expect from the role and how they will be able to give a voice to local people."

Any residents who live in the Mitton, Areley Kings West and Stour and Wilden wards who are uncertain about whether they are registered to vote, can check if their name is on the Register of Electors by calling the elections team on 01562 732762.

For anyone who has not already registered, the deadline for registering to vote is midnight on Thursday, April 13.

To register to vote, visit gov.uk/register-to-vote. Anyone without access to the internet can get a paper copy of the registration from from the Worcestershire Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall.

Voters can also vote by post or proxy. Anyone can apply for a postal vote - which allows voters much great flexibility about when they complete their ballot paper.

Anyone not already registered for a postal or proxy vote, will need to complete an application form, by visiting wyreforestdc.gov.uk/voting. The deadline for new postal voting requests is 5pm on Tuesday, April 18, while the deadline for proxy votes is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.

For more information about becoming a councillor, visit beacouncillor.co.uk.

The count will be held on Friday, May 5, at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre.