VOTERS across Tynedale will be making their mark today to elect local council representatives for the next four years.

Voting opened at 7am this morning for county, town and parish council elections with 228 polling stations up and running across Northumberland.

Polling cards have been sent to residents in recent weeks, however Northumberland County Council say that people can attend to vote without their polling card as long as they are registered and eligible.

Will Booth, elections manager at Northumberland County Council said: "Voting in local elections is one of the most effective ways of making sure your voice is heard by decision-makers within your community.

"Your vote can really make a difference."

Anyone unsure of the location of their local polling station can visit www.northumberland.gov.uk and type their home postcode into the My Place box on the top right of the home page.

After voting closes at 10pm tonight, votes from across Northumberland will be counted under one roof at Hexham's Wentworth Leisure Centre in an overnight count.

For the most up to date information on the election, check the Hexham Courant website where results will be posted throughout the night.