THOUSANDS of people living in Hambleton are being given the opportunity to register for a permanent postal vote in a move to get more people voting in elections.

Electoral registration forms are being sent to all 37,500 homes in the district.

Hambleton has 3,000 permanent postal voters from its 68,000 electorate and more are needed in order to meet Government targets to increase election turnouts.

A district council spokes-man said the "family" postal voting form being sent out allows as many members of a household as wish to be included on the postal ballot.

However, each person must sign the consent form before returning it to the council.

Anyone not sure about applying now can do so at any time of the year by contacting the Elections Office on (01609) 767131.

Electoral Registration Forms must be returned by Wednesday, October 15