VOTERS go the polls to fill two vacant seats serving neighbouring villages in the same ward on a parish council later this month.

The vacancies in the West Ward, on Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council,, in County Durham, arose as a result of the death from cancer of Labour councillor Arthur Veide, and the resignation of party colleague George Burlison.

Labour is defending both seats, fielding candidates Derek Graham and David Cummings.

They are being opposed by Liberal Democrats Annette Crooks and John Wilkinson.

The ward covers the Esh Winning and Waterhouses areas in the Deerness Valley, with the by-election being staged on Thursday, February 23.

Polling stations will be in operation at Newhouse RC Primary School, in Durham Road, Esh Winning, at Esh Winning Primary School, in The Wynds, and at Waterhouses Village Hall, in Station Street, from 8am to 9pm.