HEREFORDSHIRE'S county and parish elections will be very different to any that have gone before.

For the first time ever, ballot papers will be sent out and returned entirely by post, in an attempt to boost turnout.

In another first, anyone who is interested can have results e-mailed or texted to them anywhere, moments after they are decided.

Ballot papers are being sent out between Monday and Thursday next week. County residents should receive two papers, green for parish elections and white for district. They must be put back in the post - no stamp is needed - by Monday, April 28 to be sure of reaching the council by 5pm on May 1.

Anyone who misses the last post on April 28 can hand the papers in at Herefordshire Council's area offices during office hours. They can be found at 1 Rowberry Street, Bromyard, St Katherine's in Ledbury High Street and Hereford Town Hall.

Today (Friday) at 5pm is the final opportunity for voters to register alternative addresses as destinations for their postal ballots. Forms for doing so can be found at the council's Info Shops or on the website, www.hereford shire.gov.uk.

If a mistake is made on the ballot paper new ones can be issued, but only when the spoiled paper is handed in to the council, no later than 5pm on April 30.

To register for the electronic notification of the vote, go to the website and enter an e-mail address, mobile phone number or both.

Further information and help with filling out the ballot papers is available from the council's election helpline on 01432 260107 or 01432 260191.