A PENSIONER has bucked the trend in voter apathy by casting his first vote on his 73rd birthday!

Reg Bosworth, of St Clements Close, Worcester, braved the driving rain this morning to make his mark in the district elections.

Mr Bosworth said he had never voted before because he thought politicians "are all rogues" but he felt it was time to exercise his right "while I have the opportunity".

Two other pensioners were at Cripplegate House polling station early this morning to cast their votes.

Leslie Cornish, aged 81, of Severn House, St Clements Close, said he was voting for a candidate to stamp out vandalism in St John's.

Dorothy Harper, 78, also of Severn House, said she always voted and it was important to have your say in the electoral process.

Polls in village halls, schools and community centres across Worcestershire and Herefordshire opened at 8am this morning and will welcome voters until 9pm this evening.

Seats are up for grabs on Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Wyre Forest District Council and Herefordshire Council.

The counts for each authority will start shortly after the polls close and the results will be announced late tonight or in the early hours of tomorrow.

See tomorrow's Evening News for a full round-up of the results from the districts and from Herefordshire Council.