RESIDENTS in the Forest of Dean go to the polls today, Thursday, May 2, to decide who represents them for the next four years.

The Conservatives are fielding the most candidates, with 38 individuals standing across all 32 wards.

The Greens have the second-highest number with 28, but they are not fielding candidates in every ward.

Also standing are 23 Labour, 23 Independents, six Liberal Democrats and two UKIP.

Residents will also be casting their vote in eight town and parish council wards.

At the last election in the district in 2015 – which coincided with the general election – 21 Conservatives were elected, as well as nine Labour, eight Independents, five UKIP, four Independent Labour and one Green.

Polling stations across the district will be open from 7am until 10pm in church halls, youth clubs, community centres and other designated venues.

At 10pm the ballot boxes will be taken from polling stations and stored securely overnight.

The counting of the ballot papers will start at 9.30am on Friday, May 3, at Oaklands in Cinderford.

Ward results will be declared throughout the day, after each count.

The final results will be declared when all the counts in the district are complete.

The count for the town and parish elections begins at 9.30am on Saturday, May 4.