Today is the last chance for residents to register to vote ahead of next month’s local elections.

Anyone wanting to vote in the May elections must be registered by 11.59pm tonight - Thursday, April 14.

On Thursday, May 5, voters will head to the polls to voice who they want to represent them at a local level.

This year residents in Powys will be voting to select councillors, who will represent their local area and residents, and contribute to the development of policies in areas such as transport, social care and housing.

Powys County Council returning officer Dr Caroline Turner said: "With just over a week to go, time is running out to make sure you can take part in these local elections. They are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Powys.

"If you have recently turned 16 or moved home, it is particularly important to make sure you are correctly registered to vote.

"In order to be able to vote, residents must be on the electoral register. Registering is easy and only takes five minutes.

"If you're not registered by midnight 14 April, you won't be able to take part."

People can choose to vote in a number of ways - in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

Those hoping to vote by post have until 5pm on Wednesday, April 19, to apply whil those looking to vote by proxy have until 5pm on Tuesday, April 26.

For information on elections in your area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter.  This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.