A council has sent letters to nearly 5,000 residents who have a valid application to vote by post or proxy.

Craven District Council is asking the voters for their signature and date of birth.

New rules have been introduced aimed at improving the security of votes that are cast without the elector physically visiting the polling station.

Residents wanting to continue to vote by post or proxy will now have to submit their signature and date of birth on a so-called Personal Identifier.