VOTING has started in elections across Shropshire and Worcestershire in the first major test of opinion since the General Election in December 2019.

In Ludlow and south Shropshire voters are electing a new unitary council where the Conservatives hope to retain power.

In Ludlow all three wards have been in Liberal Democrat hands and all three members on the last council will be bidding to return to Shirehall.

In Tenbury there will be a new councillor on Worcestershire county council following the decision of Ken Pollock not to seek re-election.

In both Shropshire and Worcestershire electors will be casting their ballots for Police and Crime Commissioner and there will also be elections in some parish and town council polls in Shropshire.

Polling stations will operate social distancing and Covid safe rules. Voters are asked to bring their own pencil or pen to mark the ballot paper.

Results are expected to be declared over the weekend.