A veteran Conservative councillor is retiring at the upcoming Halton local elections after two decades in post, but his party is eyeing more seats when voters head to the polls.

Cllr John Bradshaw has represented Daresbury ward - then the Daresbury, Moore and Sandymoor Ward after boundaries were redrawn - since 2004.

A former Mayor of Halton and leader of the council's Conservative group, he said he now wants to retire to spend more time with his grandchildren. Wife Marjorie had also been a Conservative councillor in the same ward,  but lost her seat last year to Labour's Mike Ryan.

Voters head to polling stations next Thursday (May 2) where they can choose from six parties - Liberal Democrats, Labour, Greens, The Liberal Party, Conservatives and Reform UK - as well as several independents. A total of 18 seats - a third of all seats on the council, are being contested.

The Conservatives will be fielding candidates across the borough, with Sandra Myndiuk-Davidson hoping to replace Cllr Bradshaw in Daresbury, Moore and Sandymoor - traditionally one of the borough's most hotly-contested seats, having been decided by luck of the draw just two years ago when Labour and the Conservatives were tied at the end of the night, resulting in the decisive vote having to be drawn from an envelope by the returning officer.

She said: "I have lived in Runcorn for 48 years, caring deeply about our town and all who live and work here.

"My pledges if elected are to protect our green spaces - I will scrutinise any plans for further development in our ward to protect our beautiful green spaces. To vote against Council Tax increases - our Labour-led council has increased our taxes every year, including 2.99 per cent this year. If elected I will vote against any more increases.

"And to hold labour to account - Labour have led our local council for too long. If elected I will challenge Labour on the decisions they make."

Dylan Eaton is standing in the ward of Halton Castle.

He said: "Residents have two choices at the local election - to vote for myself as someone who will listen to the views of residents - or to vote for Labour who don't listen and will make the choices that they want."

A full list of candidates and their respective wards can be found here.

Voters will be required to show photo ID when they head to the polling station. Acceptable forms of photo ID include: UK-issued passport or driving licence, bus pass, blue badge, PASS proof of age card. A full list can be found here.