PASSIONATE people interested in standing for Somerset County Council’s elections in May are being reminded to come forward.

The authority is holding welcome events on January 30 and March 1 from 6pm to 8pm at County Hall.

Held at County Hall in Taunton, the welcome events will be a chance to find out more about the role of a County Councillor and what is involved in standing to become one.

There are 55 seats available to be filled in the local elections on May 4, each a chance to have a big impact in the local community and get involved in the huge range of services provided by the council.

Pat Flaherty, the Council’s Chief Executive and the Returning Officer for the Elections, said: “We welcome applications from people from different kinds of backgrounds.

“You don’t have to belong to a political party or have previous experience.

"We want people who can bring their life experiences into the council and bring the voice of the local community into its policy making and decision processes.”

In return for their work with communities and attending meetings and events, councillors will be given allowances, be provided with IT equipment and offered training to help them in their role.

To register for your place at the County Council’s welcome events please contact the Community Governance Team at democraticservices@somerset.gov.uk or on 01823 357628.

More information can also be found on the Council’s website at www.somerset.gov.uk/elections For full information on qualifications and disqualifications on standing see The Electoral Commission website by clicking here.

The deadline for nomination papers for the County Council election is on April 4, 2017.