The referendum is here - and voters in Gravesend have been heading to the polling stations since 7am this morning, with thousands of postal votes already in.

Despite some torrential rain this morning Gravesham’s 49 polling station are reporting a steady stream of voters this morning, with people keen to have their say on whether we stay in, or leave, the EU.

By last night 73% (11,300) of the 16,000 postal votes issued had been returned and voters with postal votes have until 10pm to deliver them to the Civic Centre or to polling stations.

Volunteers at The Salvation Army polling station in The Grove said since opening three hours ago they have had more than one hundred people come in to vote.

Turnout at last year’s general election was 70% (50,000).

Of those voters 12,065 were via the post, with 82% of people returning them.

The votes will be counted overnight after polls close at 10pm. Gravesham’s result is expected between 5am and 6am.