LIBERAL DEMOCRATS are facing a bruising local election result in the region today.

Thousands of people went to the polls yesterday but the majority of results won't be known until later today.

Pundits predicted Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's Lib Dems are set to be the big losers in what is the biggest electoral test for the coalition since it was formed a year ago.

The final opinion polls suggested the referendum on adopting the alternative vote (AV) system for Westminster elections - which the Lib Dems strongly support - was heading for an overwhelming defeat for the Yes campaign when the result is announced late today.

At the same time the Lib Dems were braced for heavy losses across a swathe of elections for English local authorities.

Polling was brisk throughout the day in Darlington where the council will have a new leader regardless of the outcome.

Long time local authority leader John Williams is to step down from politics - a move that means a new face will be leading the council.

In Middlesbrough a Hebrew prayer room in Linthorpe Cemetery was turned into a makeshift polling station.

The graveyard, which includes a Quaker burial ground dates back to 1668.

The prayer room which is also used as a educational and community space was part benefitted from a £1.7m restoration programme funded by Middlesbrough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Mortuary Chapel was also made over for use by the Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery as an exhibition space.

In North Yorkshire, people began casting their votes early yesterday morning.

Hambleton and Richmondshire district councils reported steady footfall at polling stations across the two areas.

Members of the public are electing their district council representatives in all of the county's local authorities, with the exception of North Yorkshire County Council.

Parish council elections are being held, as well as the referendum on electoral reform.

In Rosedale, on the North York Moors, the discovery of 50-year old documents resulted in the parish election being halted.

Ryedale District Council published a notice of election of Rosedale West and Rosedale East wards, before it was revealed that, according to documentation dating back to 1958, there is in fact just one council for the two communities.

A new election, for this parish only will now be held in June.

The district council has apologised for any inconvenience, although voters in Rosedale were still able to have their say in yesterday's referendum.