MORE than a quarter of the Burnley electorate have already voted in this year's local and European elections.

At 3pm yesterday 17,529 of the new postal ballot packs had been returned to the Town Hall, representing 27.3 per cent of possible votes.

Election bosses are now optimistic that the postal system could have the desired effect of boosting turnout.

The number of people who voted in local elections in May last year ranged from 32.8 per cent in Rosegrove with Lowerhouse to 60.06 per cent in Stoneyholme.

Staff at Burnley Town Hall have begun working from 7am to 9.30pm to open the the ballot packs and check the declarations of identity, though the votes will not be opened and counted until June 10.

Returning officer Gillian Taylor said: "Burnley historically has a proud tradition of high electoral turnouts and we are certainly not expecting the figures to go down on previous years.

"We still expect the figures to rise significantly."

Anyone who needs help with casting their vote can go to an assistance and delivery point at Burnley Town Hall which is open between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday and will open from 7am to 10pm on June 10.

For assistance call 01282 477261.