COUNTING for the Skipton and Ripon parliamentary seat in May's general election will take place overnight with a result expected in the early hours of the following day.

Unlike recent general elections, Craven District Council has been told counting for the general election must take place within four hours of closure of the polling stations on Thursday, May 7.

In Skipton, the result will be announced at the town hall at around 2am on May 8.

Chief executive and acting returning officer Paul Shevlin said it was a challenge, but he was confident all would go smoothly.

“The Skipton and Ripon constituency covers a huge geographical area, which presents some challenges in counting overnight, not least the safe delivery of ballot boxes from some remote locations to Skipton Town Hall.

"Nevertheless I am confident that the count will proceed smoothly.”

Local elections to fill a number of seats on Craven District Council as well as some parishes, including the entire Skipton Town Council, will take place on the same day.

Most polling stations are the same as last year;s elections, but there have been some changes and electors are advised to check where they will be voting.

Polling cards, will be delivered in early April, after the official start date for the election.

In Skipton North there is a new polling station at Craven Leisure Centre and the town hall is also returning to use as a polling station.

In Skipton West, a new polling station at the Champions Church, Carleton Road, will serve the Burnside and Carleton New Road areas.

Counting for district, town and some parish elections will take place on the afternoon following election day.

To find out more about the elections and polling stations, visit the council website at cravendc.gov.uk