STROUD residents can this year show their love of the area on Valentine's Day.

Ahead of elections in May, Stroud Town Council is hosting drop-in events for residents who are interested in standing for election. 

The next event is on Valentine's Day, Wednesday, February 14 at Maypole Hall between 4pm and 6pm. 

Stroud Town Council's next election will take place on May 2, when all 18 seats will be up for election.

The council has six wards with three councillors each: Central, Farmhill and Paganhill, Slade, Trinity, Valley and Uplands.

There are further drop-in events on Thursday, March 7 at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre between 10am and 6pm plus on Thursday, March 21 at the Middle of the Hill Community Group between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. 

A Stroud Town Council spokesperson said: "Being a local councillor can be an incredibly rewarding way to get involved in your community and make a real difference to the place where you live or work.

Stroud News and Journal: Councillors at Stroud Town Council"Councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes.

"The required time commitment may be less than you think, and most of Stroud's councillors are employed full time alongside their duties.

"There is strong collaboration between councillors and each ward (zone) of Stroud has three councillors, so you would never be 'on your own' and as long as you attend a certain amount of meetings you can increase and decrease the extent of your involvement according to the rhythm of your life outside the council.

"The council is keen to broaden the demographic of people who stand and to be as inclusive as possible.

"So even if you think you are not the type, please do reach out and have a think about whether it is something that would be a great experience, C.V. boosting and a fun way to connect with your home town!

"Councillors make a real difference in our community in Stroud, by engaging with residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs, making decisions on which services and projects the council should take forward, and getting involved locally to ensure that services are meeting your community's needs."

Email elections@stroud.gov.uk or council@stroudtown.gov.uk if you have any questions.