FYLDE folk go to the polls next week to elect representatives for the European Parliament.

But voters face a baffling time on June 10 - there are 110 candidates incorporating 13 political groups.

For the first time Britain is using the proportional representation system. This means the traditional Euro seats have been scrapped in favour of regional constituencies which will be served by a number of MEPs - in the case of the North West, it will be ten.

Each party has put together a list of ten nominees in order of preference. Voters can either choose an independent individual or a party - specific people on the party list cannot be selected.

Once all the votes have been cast, the seats will be handed out to the relevant parties depending on how many votes they get.

If a party wins more than one seat, candidates will be elected according to their placing on the list.

In effect, explains Mark Hendrick, current Lancashire MEP, the whole of the North West will become a single parliamentary constituency looking after the interests of six million people.

"There will also no longer be such a thing as a safe Labour or Tory seat," he said. "Now every vote counts."

At number six on the Labour party list, Mr Hendrick has what he calls a reasonable chance and is keeping his fingers crossed.

"I want to carry on the work I have been doing for Lancashire for the past five years," he said. "I have enjoyed it, it's been a privilege to represent the interests of the people of Lancashire. The new system will take a bit of that away.

"A small party which might get one seat will not be able to cover the region as well as a party which has several seats.

"There will be more work but it will be more rewarding."

Parties standing are the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Green, British National, Liberal Party, Natural Law, Pro Euro Conservative, Socialist Labour, UK Independence and the Weekly Worker.

The two independents standing are David Briad, representing the Anti-Corruption Pro-family Christian Alliance and Independent Humanist Douglas Firkin-Flood.

Candidates from the Fylde include Valerie Cowell of Poulton who is number seven on the UK Independence list.

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