THE candidates for Thurrock Council's by election in October have been announced.

Three candidate for Thurrock Council’s West Thurrock and South Stifford ward were revealed yesterday.

They are: Terry Brookes, Labour; Russell Peter Cherry, United Kingdom Independence Party; and John Rowles, Conservative.

The by election follows the death of respected councillor Andy Smith in August and will be held on Thursday, October 16.

Poll cards have already been sent out to people registered to vote and the deadline to register is midnight on Tuesday, September 30.

Electors can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by phoning the elections office 01375 652816.

Electors will need their national insurance number and date of birth to register to vote.

Other important dates in the run up to the election include the deadline for postal vote applications - 5pm, October 1 – and the deadline for proxy vote applications - 5pm, October 8. Postal vote ballot packs will be sent out in early October.

If, after 5pm on Wednesday, October 8, you are unable to vote in person because you have a medical emergency or learn you cannot go to the polling station because of work reasons, you can apply to vote by emergency proxy.

The deadline for an emergency proxy application is 5pm on polling day itself, Thursday, October 16.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.