VOLUNTEERS have taken part in a 'dry run' for election night in Craven.

With just two weeks to go before the general and local elections, a mock count was held at Craven District Council.

Counting for the parliamentary seat of Skipton and Ripon will take place as soon as the polling stations close on Thursday, May 7, with the result expected to be announced at Skipton Town Hall at around 2am the following morning.

Counting for the local elections will take place on the Friday.

Volunteers have been drawn from the council as well as from Skipton Building Society, Craven College and elsewhere.

“This was a small-scale version of the count to see how everything will work on the day," said council chief executive and acting returning officer Paul Shevlin.

"It’s important everything goes as smoothly as possible and staff will work incredibly hard to ensure this happens."

He added: "We’d like to remind everyone of the importance of voting in the forthcoming elections, both national and local – every vote really does count.”

Polling cards, giving details of where to vote, are currently being delivered.