Would-be candidates for May 7’s local elections can learn more about the ins and outs of the process at a series of workshops planned for later this month.

Mark Williams, chief executive and returning officer of East Devon District Council (EDDC), will visit four towns across the region to explain the procedure for standing as a town, parish or district councillor.

But Sidmouth residents will have to travel to Honiton, Cranbrook, Exmouth or Axminster as the roadshow is not scheduled to visit the town.

Mr Williams said: “If you care about the area that you live or work in and the issues facing local people, you could be a councillor.

“Research tells us that people are most concerned about issues such as crime, schools, transport and the environment.

“Your local council can make a difference on all these issues and many more, and so can you as a local councillor.”

Prospective candidates do not need to be highly educated or have a profession, and each council across the district provides support, information and training for new councillors.

An EDDC spokesman said that a session was not being held in Sidmouth because the four locations were chosen because they are central and easily accessible from all parts of East Devon.

“The roadshows are held every four years and the last roadshows in Sidmouth and Seaton attracted very little interest,” the spokesman added. “People in Sidmouth who are interested in becoming a councillor are welcome to pop up and see Mark Williams at any time.”

The sessions will take place on the following dates:

? Tuesday, January 20, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at Exmouth Town Hall in St Andrew’s Road, Exmouth.

? Thursday, January 29, from 5.30pm to 7pm, at the Younghayes Centre in Younghayes Road, Cranbrook.

? Monday, February 2, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at The Beehive in Dowell Street, Honiton.

? Thursday, February 12, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at the Senior Citizens’ Centre Old Courthouse in Church Street, Axminster.