AN advice session for would-be candidates hoping to stand in the forthcoming local elections is being held by Sandwell Council.

Nominations for candidates to stand for the council starts on Tuesday April 8 – the day after the public notice advertising the election is published.

Anyone considering standing is invited to attend a briefing session about the election process which is being held at the Sandwell Council House from 12.30pm next Thursday  (April 3).

Would-be candidates can collect their nomination packs from the session.

Anyone who cannot attend the briefing and is standing for election can call and collect a pack from April 1 although nomination papers cannot be submitted until April 8. The deadline for nominations is April 24.

Poll cards will start to hit the streets from Monday April 7. The poll card advertises the election date, time and the polling station you can vote at.

Residents are reminded to check their poll station venue because some have changed this year.

Voters who cannot attend on polling day or just want a postal vote can contact Sandwell electoral services on 0121 569 3244 or e-mail electoral_services@sandwell.gov.uk

Jan Britton, Sandwell's chief executive and returning officer, said: “It is important that people use their vote and take part in the democratic process.

"Our elections team will be on hand at the advice session on April 3 for anyone considering putting themselves forward as a candidate.”