Residents in some villages around Wellington will go the polls in May, but for the first time they'll need to show ID to vote.

The local elections are being held across parts of England on Thursday, May 4, when thousands of council seats will be contested.

The Somerset Council elections were held in May 2022, with the next election set for 2027. However, voters in the Mid Devon area, including villages near Wellington, will be able to cast their votes next month.

But the deadline to apply for a free voter authority certificate is looming, with cutoff at 5pm on Tuesday, April 25. To vote in this year's elections, and all future elections, electors will have to produce identification.

Applications for the form can be competed on the Somerset Council website.

But a photographic ID such as a driving license or passport will also be accepted as identification.

Those eligible to vote in May's elections include residents of Uffculme, Culmstock and Hemyock who are in the Upper Culm Ward. Residents of Uffculme, Willand, Kentisbeare in the Lower Culm Ward. And residents of Holcombe Rogis, Clayhangar and Burlescombe in the Canosleigh Ward.

To view a map of Mid Devon wards and polling stations, see the council's website.