MID Devon District Council has announced a series of events for prospective councillors, ahead of the district-wide election next year.

Starting in January, three events covering each of Mid Devon’s towns (Crediton, Tiverton and Cullompton), will be held to welcome anyone interested in standing for election.

The election will take place on May 2, 2019 when all 42 district seats will be contested. Parish elections will also take place on the same day.

You may be interested in becoming a councillor if you are keen to make a difference to your community and wish to represent the views of local people.

You may also be keen to stand for a particular issue or you may have a desire to pursue a political belief.

Sally Gabriel, Member Services Manager at Mid Devon District Council, said: “These events are designed to be informative but informal. We would welcome anyone who is showing an interest in being a councillor to come along and meet our team and ask us questions about the process and what it means to be a councillor.”

During the event you will have a chance to chat to the Returning Officer, the Chief Executive and the Electoral Services Manager along with experienced councillors.

Prospective councillors must be:

• British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union

• At least 18 years old

• Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.

If you decide to stand for election you must complete and submit a form during the nomination period which runs from March 18 until 4pm on April 3.

In Crediton the event will take place on Monday, January 28 at the Boniface Centre starting at 6pm.

Further events will be held at Cullompton Community Centre on February 4 at 6pm and at Phoenix House, Tiverton on February 12 at 6pm.

Anyone unable to attend an event can find out more information by visiting: www.middevon.gov.uk/election2019 .