Polling stations for castle and windmill

Thousands of voters will be forming orderly queues outside council buildings, churches and community centres to vote in next month’s local elections.

However, people in parts of the North East could be casting ballots in more unusual places.

Some may quench their thirst for democracy by voting in a pub or a cafe.

Other unusually located polling stations include a landmark windmill and a 12th Century castle.

The reason is that in places where there is a shortage of civic buildings, many businesses opt to let councils set up polling booths on their premises rather than having to erect temporary buildings, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

One of the most majestic places to cast a ballot must be the 12th Century Walworth Castle, near Darlington, which is now a hotel.

ENGLAND’S ELECTIONS: THE BASICS

What’s happening? On 6 May, people across England will vote for new councillors, mayors and police and crime commissioners. Register to vote here.

Why does it matter? When parties win control of a council, they decide policies for your area which could affect services ranging from social care to rubbish collection. Find out more about what councils do.

Just outside Sunderland, Fulwell Windmill, which dates from the 19th Century, is hosting a polling station in its tea rooms.

But perhaps the most spectacular will be found at the Gun Inn in Ridsdale, which commands stunning views of the Northumberland countryside.