WOULD-be local politicians are being offered the chance to learn more about the role as Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council hold a number of sessions for prospective borough and parish councillors in the coming weeks.

Fifty nine seats at the borough council and 77 parish council seats across the borough will be up for grabs on election day, Thursday, May 7.

The two information sessions will be held on Wednesday, March 11 with ‘Do you want to be a Parish Councillor?’ at 11am and ‘Do you want to be a Borough Councillor?’ taking place a few hours later at 2pm.

Councillor Glyn Nightingale, cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for prospective councillors, both within a parish and across the borough, to find out more about the difference they can make as a councillor and the advice and information available to them.

“With the elections coming up on Thursday, May 7, this is the perfect time for anyone who wants to have their say on local issues to stand up and be counted.”

Both sessions will be held at the Redcar & Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart with the hope that any frequently asked questions can be answered.

Attendees will be able to learn more about the nomination and electoral processes as well as specifics about both roles, including a walk through of the decision making process and support available to them if they do get into office.

For more information on how to book a place at the sessions contact the council’s democratic services team by emailing democracy@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk