MORE than 40 candidates have put themselves forward for election to a new parish council for Durham city.

The first election for the newly created authority will be held on Thursday, May 3.

It is not yet known exactly what the new council, officially formed on April 1, will look after when it is up and running.

The City of Durham Parish Council will have 15 members, with six councillors for Elvet and Gilesgate, eight for Neville’s Cross and one for Durham South.

A total of 42 candidates have put themselves forward, with 24 people vying for election in Neville’s Cross, 15 in Elvet and Gilesgate and three in Durham South.

Among the candidates are 15 Liberal Democrats, 11 from the Labour party, six Conservatives, six Green party members and four independents.

Durham County Council decided to create the new body following a poll of residents, which took place last year.

The poll had a 24 per cent response rate, with two thirds of those who did reply responding in favour of the new authority.

It follows a campaign by Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods to give the city centre its own elected body.

It means that Newton Hall is now the only unparished area of the city.

People have until Tuesday, April 17 to register to vote.

The full list of candidates can be viewed by visiting www.durham.gov.uk.