There is no shortage of residents telling the city council how it should be doing its job.

But soon they will be offered the chance to come and have a go themselves.

Because with local elections looming next year, all 39 seats on the council will be up for grabs.

Now the city council is holding a prospective councillor information even for anyone interested to learn more about how to seek election and exactly what the role entails.

Councillors come from all walks of life and play a key role in shaping the district, from deciding planning applications and pub opening hours, through to setting council tax and parking charges, as well as representing voters in their ward.

Chief executive Colin Carmichael said: “We see plenty of people making lots of noise on social media these days, and it would be great to see that passion and enthusiasm transferring into the council chamber.”

The next city council elections take place on May 2 and the information evening takes place in the city's Guildhall at 6.15pm on Thursday, September 6 and will last around 90 minutes.

It will explain the process involved in standing for election, what the council does and what life is really like as a councillor.

For more information or to confirm attendance at the prospective councillor event, email democracy@canterbury.gov.uk or call 01227 862594. More information is also available at https://beacouncillr.co.uk.