A Norfolk council will hold a series of information evenings ahead of a run of local elections in May.

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) will be briefing candidates and agents about the local government elections at an information evening on Thursday, March 7, at 6pm.

A separate briefing will be held on Monday, March 4, at 6pm, to inform town and parish council clerks and chairs about the town and parish council elections.

Both elections will be held on Thursday, May 2, and both events will be held at the district council's offices on Holt Road, Cromer.

Information shared at both events will be available on the council website for anyone unable to attend, alongside nomination forms and Electoral Commission guidance.

Returning officer Steve Blatch said: 'Elections to North Norfolk District Council for the four years from May 2019 will take place on Thursday 2nd May 2019.

'These elections are being contested on new ward boundaries and the briefing event will provide an opportunity for anyone considering standing as a candidate to be a district councillor to ask questions on the process of nominations, election publicity, and the poll and count processes. The briefing is intended to make the process of standing as a candidate at these elections as easy as possible.'

Mr Blatch added: 'Town and parish councils are an important element of local democracy providing a voice for their local communities in planning new development, protecting the local environment, the provision of local amenities and services, and making their communities better places for their residents.

'Every four years, combined with elections to the district council, an opportunity exists for people within their communities to stand as parish councillors and this briefing will outline the process of advertising these elections, the paperwork for nominations and how any contested elections will be conducted if more people than the specified number of councillors indicate a willingness to serve on their town and parish council.

'This is community representation and democracy on the frontline and town and parish councils across north Norfolk are looking for people with a passion and commitment to make their towns and villages strong and vibrant communities and better places for all; so if you think you have something to contribute to your community please contact your town and parish clerk to learn more about what your parish council does in advance of these elections.'

Anyone wishing to attend either event, should contact the council's elections team by calling 01263 516266 or emailing elections@north-norfolk.gov.uk.