VOTERS go to the polls today in a by-election for Durham County Council.

Two candidates will contest the by-election for Ouston and Urpeth Division in a straight fight between Labour's Colin Carr and Liberal Democrat Sean Kilkenny.

The vacancy for the seat was caused by the death in September of Councillor Christine Smith, who had held the seat for Labour since 1989.

At the last election in 2005, Coun Smith held the seat with a majority of 1,343.

Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm.