A west Cumbrian council is urging residents to make sure their voter registration details are up to date.

Copeland Council is beginning its annual canvas this week, in which every household in the borough will be contacted to make sure the details it possesses are correct.

This is to ensure residents who are eligible to vote in any upcoming elections are registered to do so.

A spokesman for the council said: "This year, as part of the Government’s canvass reform programme, we will be using data and electronic communication, such as email and text messaging, to simplify the process.

"Residents may therefore receive an email, text message or letter from us, asking them to check on those registered and inform the council of any changes."