HELP is at hand for local people who are confused about how to vote in the European Parliament elections.

All votes have to be cast by post for the June 10 election, when nine MEP seats are up for grabs for the North West. Each elector in the region should now have received a letter, guiding them through the voting process.

And a helpline number has been set up on 01524-582905 to offer advice to local voters.

Only 11 million people in the UK voted in the last EU elections in 1999 - Channel 4's Big Brother show last year attracted 23 million votes.

Deputy local returning officer Roger Muckle, of Lancaster City Council, says letters have been sent to all electors to help explain how the ballot works.

"If anyone is in any doubt, we urge people to get in touch if they have any concerns."

Electors should receive ballot papers between next Wednesday, May 26, and June 1. All should arrive before 10pm on June 10.

Voters who do not want to post them can take them to Lancaster Town Hall from Monday to Saturday, June 1 to 9, between 8.15am and 5.15pm, or on Thursday, June 10, from 7am to 10pm. Election results will be declared on Sunday, June 13.

Eleven parties have nominated candidates for the elections.

The Green Party's number one is Lancaster's Prof John White-legg, with Cllr Gina Dowding placed second on the list.

The UK Independence Party's top candidate is John Whittaker, also from Lancaster, followed by Gregory Beaman, of Carnforth.

The only other local candidate standing is Stephen Metcalfe, of Lancaster, for Respect The Unity Coalition Party.

MEPs speak for the whole North West in the European Parliament, which is based in both Brussels and in Strasbourg.

UK MEPs are paid £56,358 - the same as a backbencher in the House of Commons.