Local elections are taking place across the North East on May 5, with tens of thousands of voters expected to take to the polls.
New councillors will be elected to serve on Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council.
There are no elections in Northumberland and Durham, as both of these authorities elect all their members every four years, with the most recent elections held last year.
