NOMINATIONS open next week for the election of governors to Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Anyone who is a trust member can put themselves forward.

There are six seats to fill, including one each in Keighley, Craven and Shipley, and one representing 'the rest of England'. There are also two in Bradford South.

A series of events is being staged across the district so people can learn more about the trust's work and the role of governors.

The first is at Central Hall, in Alice Street, Keighley, on Thursday (Jan 17), between 5.30pm and 7pm.

Further sessions are planned at Dyneley Barn, Newmarket Street, Skipton, on Thursday, January 24, also from 5.30pm to 7pm, and at New Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, on Friday, February 1, between 10am and 11.30am.

Colin Perry, the trust's lead governor, says the role is a crucial one in providing a public voice at meetings.

He added: "Governors can have a real influence on the work of the trust, representing the views of local people to the board and ensuring these are taken into account when decisions are made.

"It is an important and valuable role."

Would-be governors first need to become a trust member, which is free – a form can be completed online.

Governor nomination forms will be available at bdct.nhs.uk/about-us/our-council-of-governors/become-a-governor, from Wednesday (Jan 16) until February 13.

Further information is available on the website, by e-mailing ft@bdct.nhs.uk or calling 01274 363430.