Polls open today across Worcester as residents get the chance to decide who represents them on the city council.

For the first time, every one of the council’s 35 seats is up for grabs at the same time as Worcester City Council moves to a new electoral cycle.

It’s also the first set of local elections to take place since a review of Worcester by the Local Government Boundary Commission.

This led to the first redrawing of the city’s electoral map in 20 years.

Worcester is now split into 16 wards as opposed to 15, with new wards created including Fort Royal, Warndon & Elbury Park, and Dines Green & Groves Farm.

The old Bedwardine ward has been renamed Lower Wick & Pitmaston, and Warndon Parish North and Warndon Parish South are now St Nicholas and Leopard Hill respectively.

What election is being held?

Residents are electing the 35 councillors that will represent them at Worcester City Council meetings in the Guildhall.

The election of the West Mercia police and crime commissioner is also taking place today.

What happened at the last election?

Last year's election was the last to be held under the old system of electing a third of the council every year, for three years out of four.

In short, it was a bad night for the Conservatives and left Worcester with joint Labour and Green council leaders for a year.

This is how it looks ahead of this year's election.

Where do I vote?

There are 62 polling stations operating in 50 venues across Worcester today, operated by 203 members of staff.

You can find your local polling station on the city council website.

Do I need to bring ID to the polling station?

Yes, as of last year you need to show some form of photo ID at the polling station in order to cast your vote.

Valid forms of ID include a passport, driving licence and bus pass and you can use expired documents as long as the picture still looks like you.

You can find the full list of acceptable forms of ID on the Electoral Commission website.

When can I vote?

Polls open at 7am and close at 10pm, so there is plenty of time to cast your vote.

If you have already made your decision using a postal vote then you don’t have to do anything today.

When will the results be announced?

The count is taking place on Friday at Perdiswell Leisure Centre - results are expected to be announced throughout the afternoon and we’ll keep you up-to-date on the Worcester News website.