With just over a month to go to the local elections, Bolton residents are being warned they will need photo ID to cast their vote.

Ward boundary changes mean that there will be a all out election in Bolton, where all seats, a total of 60, in every council ward will be contested.

Residents who arrive at polling stations without photo identification are being warned they will be turned away.

It will be the the first time, residents in Bolton will need to show photographic ID if voting at a polling station at the local elections on May 4.

People without photo ID will be able to apply for one free online - but the deadline is fast approaching.

The change has been introduced by the government and everyone is urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include a passport, drivers’ licence (including provisional) and some concessionary travel passes such as an older person’s bus pass.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.

The deadline to apply for a free voter ID is April 25.

More information about the changes, including what to expect at polling stations on the day, is available at bolton.gov.uk/voting.

Sue Johnson, Bolton Council’s Chief Executive and Returning Officer for the election, said: “It is important that anyone who wants to vote at a polling station on May 4 makes sure they bring an accepted form of ID with them.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID before April 25.

“You can apply online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to our electoral services team.”

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote before April 17.

It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Voters wishing to apply for free voter ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.