Wokingham Borough Council will be holding elections on Thursday May 3, 2012 in 18 out of its 25 wards. As part of its programme of encouraging participation in the electoral process, the borough council will be holding a meeting at the Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham for prospective candidates and agents on Monday March 19 from 5.30pm.

Alison Wood, electoral services manager, said: "Many people may have thought about becoming a councillor, but are not sure about what is involved or may feel daunted by the election process itself. 

"Candidates do not necessarily have to be part of a political party – they can be independent as well. Our website gives more information and we have a specific leaflet we can send to anyone interested. We are inviting those thinking about standing for election to come along to our information evening on the Monday March 19." 

Seats are up for election in the following borough wards:

Bulmershe and Whitegates, Charvil, Emmbrook, Evendons, Finchampstead North, Finchampstead South, Hawkedon, Hillside, Hurst, Loddon, Maiden Erlegh, Norreys, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe, Shinfield South, Twyford, Wescott, Winnersh and Wokingham Without 

Seats are up for election in the following parish wards:

Charvil, Finchampstead, Hurst and Ruscombe