Voters go to the polls today in the Kent County Council election - with control over one of the largest authorities at stake.

The results will also be a litmus test of how the parties are faring ahead of the general election in June.

The ballot will see 81 councillors elected from 72 electoral divisions.

Some 393 people are standing in the election - thought to be one of the highest number of candidates that have been nominated.

The Conservatives are fielding 81 candidates, followed by Labour with 80 candidates.

The Liberal Democrats have nominated 76 candidates with UKIP - which is defending 17 seats - fielding 69.

The Green party has put forward 64 candidates and there are 15 independents.

KCC is currently run by the Conservatives who are looking to consolidate their position after an unexpected UKIP surge in 2013 nearly cost them outright control.

Most of the wards that are up for grabs are what is known as single member wards, with the winning candidate decided under the first past the post system. However, in nine seats, two county councillors will be elected.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm but the results will be declared on Friday.

Follow our liveblog on Friday as the results are announced.