PENSIONERS in Peeblesshire are being encouraged to register for voting in time for the forthcoming local government elections.

Staff from Scottish Borders Council's electoral registration team are visiting residential care facilities across the region over the next few weeks to chat to the residents and their carers.

The first visit took place at St Ronan's House Care Home in Innerleithen this week.

Brian Rout, acting electoral registration officer for the Scottish Borders, said: "We feel it's important to go out to care homes and sheltered housing complexes and speak directly to residents.

"Our staff have a tablet on hand to register anyone on the spot if required.

"As well as making sure they're registered to vote, if they are able to do so, we can discuss things like postal and proxy voting arrangements.”

The care home tour aims to ensure everyone who is able to vote can do so ahead of the local government election on May 4.

Everyone who is 16 or over on May 4, and eligible to vote, is asked to register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.