THE temperature is rising in Bolton -- and it's not just due to the recent good weather.

A giant thermometer has been erected on the steps of the Town Hall, which will be measuring election fever in the borough.

The stunt is part of the council's bid to create "a healthy democracy", and will be used to update residents about the success of the postal voting campaign.

For the first time, all voting in the council elections in Bolton is by post. The move is designed to increase interest and participaton in the local democratic process.

Votes can be cast at any time up until 9pm on May 1.

As more postal votes come into the Town Hall, the higher the temperature will rise on the thermometer. The thermometer will be updated on a daily basis, with a final reading on Friday, May 2, when the total votes cast in Bolton's local elections will be known.

Unveiling the thermometer, the council's returning officer, Bernard Knight, said: "This election in Bolton is even more interesting this year, as every resident will be voting by post rather than visiting the polling station.

"In other parts of the country at the last election, postal votes saw total turnouts double from the previous election.

"We are hoping for a bumper turnout here, and the thermometer was an ideal way of not only informing people how the pilot scheme is going, but also to remind everyone to exercise their democratic right."

Helping Mr Knight was 18-year-old Louise Merrick, from Westhoughton. As a nurse and first-time voter, she is well placed to help the council test the temperature of the election process.

All the ballot papers have been posted out and the total returns so far stand at 15 per cent.

The political balance in the town could not be tighter. Bolton Council will have no party in overall control if Labour loses just one seat.

A virtual version of the thermometer is available on the council's website www.bolton.gov.uk where there is a section dedicated to the local election. It provides an information service about the postal vote campaign and will carry the results live on the night of May 1.