SOME of the 10,000 voters who have posted back their Euro election ballot papers to Hambleton District Council, may have them returned..

For not only have some not followed the precise instructions but others have included bus pass renewals and even housing survey forms.

Sorting of the completed papers began in earnest yesterday with a team of 20 opening and verifying the votes before they are counted.

But it is feared that many may have to go back to the voters who have not followed instructions exactly.

"The instructions are clear and must be followed to the letter otherwise in some cases we cannot accept the vote," said Peter Simpson, the council's chief executive.

"Some of the problems are slowing down the process of checks the ballot paper goes through - others mean they may have to be returned to the voter."

The most common problems have included ballot papers not being separated from the declaration of identity.

Only the ballot paper must go in envelope A (with the bar code showing through the envelope window). The declaration of identity and envelope A must then be placed in envelope B, with the bar code and address of the Civic Centre showing through the clear window.

The ballot paper and declaration of identity must be sent back to the council separately - families must not send them in bulk to save postage.

The completed ballot papers only must be sent back in the election envelopes - no other post such as housing surveys and bus pass renewal forms should be included.

A family member or friend can witness the declaration of identity - as long as they know you, they can be a witness.

A manned assistance point has been set up in the Civic Centre in Northallerton to help with queries.

It is open from 9am -5pm until June 9 (except Sunday) and from 7am-10pm on election day, June 10.