WILTSHIRE Council will be knocking on doors to encourage people to sign up to the electoral roll this month.

In a move it describes as "taking democracy to the doorstep", council staff will visit homes of about 11,000 people who are eligible to vote but are not registered.

Carlton Brand, Wiltshire Council corporate director, said: “Voting in elections is the lifeblood of our free society.

“We want every citizen in the county to have the best possible chance to have their say and to cast a vote.

“It takes less than five minutes to sign up, but it means so much. Voting is a priceless right which everyone should cherish.”

The canvassing takes place from May 9 until June 4.

Council staff – all carrying official ID - will have tablet devices so people can register on the doorstep.

All they need is their national insurance number.

Residents can also register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and find out more information by calling 0300 456 0112.