Cheshire West and Chester Council is offering briefing sessions for anyone interested in becoming a prospective candidates in the forthcoming council elections.

The election for all 75 members representing 46 wards for a four-year term, takes place on the same day as the General and Parish Elections on May 7.

You could be a member of a political group or stand as an independent candidate.

Councillors on Cheshire West and Chester Council undertake a wide variety of roles which include public consultation and campaigning, helping form policy and making decisions.

Successful candidates must prepare to travel to and attend meetings of the council and its committees and go to public meetings where you may speak on behalf of the community.

Councillors attend workshops, conferences, receive training and some act as chairpersons or spokespeople.

Other activities and responsibilities include holding ward surgeries, meeting external organisations and companies and acting as an ambassador on behalf of the area sometimes in a regional, national or international context.

You will be paid an allowance and time off work will depend on your employer.

Council returning officer Steve Robinson said: “Being a councillor is a busy, challenging and fulfilling experience.

“Your workload is varied and very interesting and you work with a wide variety of people and get involved in a wide variety of projects.”

To stand for election in any ward you must be over 18, been included on the Register of Electors for Cheshire West and Chester and either lived or worked within the borough for the last 12 months.

You also need to be nominated to stand as a candidate by two electors in the electoral ward who will be your proposer and seconder, and eight other electors who are supporting your nomination.

Briefing sessions have been set up for prospective candidates and agents to find out more about the timetable, how to stand, the nominations process, spending on the election, the code of conduct and required standards of behaviour during the campaign.

You will also find out in detail about the arrangements for the verification and the count and what to expect if elected including induction process and support for members.

The venues and dates for the briefings are 6.30-8pm:

Monday March 2 in the Council Chamber at Chester Town Hall.

Tuesday March 3 in room 2.4 at Civic Way in Ellesmere Port.

Wednesday March 4 in Room G1 in Wyvern House, Winsford.

To find out more go to the website www.electionswestcheshire.co.uk or to register your place on one of these briefings email: elreg@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk