The number of people in the Malvern Hills voting by post for the forthcoming General Election has reached 8,014.

The figure, which covers postal votes in the West Worcestershire constituency, has increased dramatically from the 2,900 in 2001.

Nigel Snape, deputy returning officer at Malvern Hills District Council, said interest in the system was growing year by year.

"Political parties have been encouraging people to vote by post because it brings a higher percentage turnout," he said.

"If someone has bothered to apply for a postal vote, it's likely they'll bother to fill in the form and post it."

He said the council had measures in place to make sure the system was secure.

It follows concerns nationally that the system is vulnerable to fraud.