Don't forget you pen or pencil when it comes to the May 6 elections.

That is one of the changes made this year to help ensure Covid safety.

The advice comes as Rutland County Council gears up to run the elections for the county's Police and Crime Commissioner.

There are no elections for county councillors as they were staged in 2019.

The PCC elections were due to be held last year, but like many things were postponed due to the pandemic.

But this year, council chiefs, along with central government, stress polling stations will be open with COVID-19 safety measures in place, to enable voters to cast their vote in person.

Alternatively, people can apply for a postal vote and the deadline for applications is Tuesday 20 April at 5pm.

A voter can also appoint someone they know and trust trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. The deadline for a proxy vote is Tuesday 27 April at 5pm.

Rutland County Council, which is running the elections, says polling stations will be safe places to vote and voters will be encouraged to keep themselves and others safe to vote by:

wearing a face covering

bringing their own pen or pencil

cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station

Keeping a safe distance from others.

Voters should not attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate. There will be provisions in place to apply for an emergency proxy vote if required for health reasons.

Mark Andrews, Rutland County Council's Local Returning Officer, said: "It's important to make sure your voice is heard at the elections in May, and we are putting measures in place to help you cast your vote safely. You can either vote at a polling station, by post or by proxy.

"We are anticipating an increase in postal vote applications, so if you decide to vote by post, please don't wait until the deadline.

"Sending your application sooner rather than later makes sure it is processed early and your postal vote can be sent to you sooner. If you have already applied for a postal vote you do not need to apply."

However you choose to vote, you must be registered in order to have your say at the elections. If you are not already registered, you can do so online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.