The results of the Canterbury district's AV referendum have been announced.

Voters were asked whether to back plans to change the way in which MPs are elected, with a referendum on whether the current first past the post system should be replaced with the alternative vote.

Votes were tallied on Friday afternoon at the Westgate Hall in Canterbury.

A total of 15,398 voted in favour of changing the electoral system, while 30,759 voted against it.

See next week's Gazette for full report and reaction.