THE candidates who are standing in upcoming Dorset elections have been announced.

Candidates standing in this year's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections and some town and parish council by-elections have been published. All elections will be taking place on May 6.

Five candidates have been revealed for the PCC elections and details about each candidate were available on the 'Choose my PCC' website from today. The role of a PCC is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their force area.

By-elections will also be taking place for Weymouth Town Council - Wyke Regis ward, Weymouth Town Council - Preston ward, Shaftesbury Town Council - West ward, Swanage Town Council - Swanage North ward, Lyme Regis Town Council, and Ferndown - Ferndown Central ward.

Elections will not be taking place for Portland Town Council - Portland Tophill East ward, or Okeford Fitzpaine Parish Council as the candidates standing in these two areas will be uncontested on May 6.

There are a number of ways to vote and Dorset council is reminding voters that if you need to register to vote than you must do so online before midnight on Monday, April 19. The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on April 20, and the deadline for a proxy vote application, where you can appoint someone else to vote on your behalf, is 5pm on April 27.

Emergency proxy voting will be available on the day of the elections for anyone who is self-isolating or shielding.

A spokesman for Dorset Council said: "If you are registered to vote, you will be able to vote in person at a polling station on May 6. Polling station details are provided in poll cards which are currently being distributed to registered voters.

"All polling stations will be equipped with hand sanitisers and signage to ensure everyone keeps a safe distance. All voters and polling staff will be required to wear a face covering unless exempt. Pencils will be available, but voters can bring their own pen and pencil if they prefer."

For more information on the upcoming elections and the candidates, visit the Dorset Council website.