Bromyard will have its first town council election for 16 years when voters go to the polls on Thursday, March 8.

The resignation of councillor Bernard Hunt in November has resulted in a surge of interest, with six candidates coming forward to contest the seat.

Bromyard Town Council will be issuing poll cards to more than 3,000 electors, with the total cost of issuing the cards topping £1,700.

Town clerk Mike Cresswell said: "We've not had an election for so long in Bromyard, this will be quite incredible.

"We hope there will be a big turnout. It is important. This is an opportunity for members of the public to make their voices heard."

The last four available seats on Bromyard were filled last May without an election being called. One of the seats was uncontested. The other three were filled by co-option.

Mr Cresswell said: "It's strange that we have so many candidates now."

The candidates for the contested seat are Derek Campbell, Gill Churchill, Alan Gates, Edward Harris, Brian Johnson and Gordon Weston.

Mr Hunt surprised fellow councillors last autumn by resigning, after serving local politics for 32 years.

He explained at the November 20 full council meeting that the move would give him more time for his family, friends, and customers at Hunt's TV and Video shop.

Coun Hunt, who had served on four councils since 1968, lost his Herefordshire Council seat by a narrow margin at the last election, but had continued to serve on the town council.