A POSTAL voting scheme piloted during this year's European elections has been declared a success by a North Yorkshire council.

Richmondshire District Council said the number of people voting in the elections rose to 45 per cent.

This represents a 15 per cent increase on the 1999 European elections, while the turnout was markedly up on the 37 per cent figure during last year's district elections.

Council officers have credited the convenience of postal balloting for this increase.

Sandra Hullah, elections officer for the council, said: "We already have good levels of voter participation in Richmondshire, but this scheme has helped us build on that. It has been a huge success.

"From talking to voters, I have found that the postal ballot is a quick, immediate and easy way of registering your vote and making yourself heard.

"Of the total amount of postal votes received here, less than two per cent had to be returned due to forms being filled out incorrectly."

Postal voting will also be used in the referendum on regional government scheduled for November, when voters will be asked to decide on whether Yorkshire should have a regional assembly.

To find out more about the postal ballot process or to check you are registered to vote, contact Ms Hullah on (01748) 829 100.