SOME 188 candidates will be standing for election at the Dorset County Council elections on May 2.

Across the county, 45 council seats in 42 electoral divisions are being contested.

Thirty-nine divisions will have one county councillor and three divisions, including Verwood and Three Legged Cross, will have two.

Arrangements are now being made for election day and polling stations will be open across the county from 7am until 10pm on May 2.

The overall result should be announced during the early hours of Friday, May 3.