PEOPLE in south-west Durham who have been unable or forgotten to post their ballot papers for the European elections have until 10pm tonight to deliver them in person.

The elections to the European Parliament are being conducted by an all-postal ballot in the North-East for the first time.

But council offices are remaining open until the polls close for people to hand in their forms.

Teesdale residents who have not posted their ballot papers can use an assistance and delivery point at the district council offices at Teesdale House, Galgate, Barnard Castle.

This has been operating during office hours since June 1, but today it will be open from 7am until 10pm.

There is a facility to drop off completed ballot forms or residents can use the polling booth to fill in the form.

Help will also be provided to anyone needing assistance to fill in the form.

The council sent out 19,833 ballot papers and by Tuesday evening had 7,338 returned.

Elections officer Delyth Roberts said: "It's been quite a reasonable return so far."

Voters in Wear Valley can hand in their late ballot papers at the Civic Centre, Crook, up until 10pm tonight.

A total of 47,949 papers were issued and by last night 18,358 had been returned, representing more than 36 per cent.

The Sedgefield Borough Council offices in Green Lane, Spennymoor, are also open until 10pm for late votes.

Officers said yesterday they were expecting a turnout of about 40 per cent by the time the polls close.