DARLINGTON residents are being advised not to lose their right to vote.

Darlington Borough Council’s electoral registration team will be sendingForms to more than 49,600 households in the area over the next few weeks, to compile the new Electoral Register.

By completing and returning the form, Darlington voters will make sure that they can have their say on what matters to them.

Catherine Whitehead, electoral registration officer for Darlington, said: “It’s simple to register. All you have to do is complete the Household Enquiry Form that will come through your letter box shortly.

"However, if there are no changes to the details on the Household Enquiry Form, residents may also register via the internet, by phone or by text, using the unique code on their form.

“If there are changes to the details on the form, these can be made on the form itself, online or by phone.

"Residents are legally required to register each year.

"Residents will not be able to vote in elections if they don’t register to vote.

“The Electoral Register is also increasingly being used to confirm an individual’s address, especially if they are applying for credit such as a mortgage, personal loan or even a mobile telephone.

"If you are not registered you will probably be refused credit, as well as losing your right to vote.”

Anyone with questions about the Annual Canvass can call the council's electoral registration team on 01325-406444.