Anyone thinking of becoming a councillor can find out more on February 9.

There are district and parish council elections on May 7 and those who have never stood before can find out what is involved in being a district councillor at Braintree Council's offices in Bocking End, Braintree, from 6.30pm.

There will be 49 district council seats contested across 26 wards and 436 seats for 54 parish and town councils, with up to 13 seats in each. An election for a given area will only take place if there are more candidates than seats available.

Nomination packs will be available on the council website in early March.