With local council elections taking place next week, the Daily Echo is providing readers with high quality, exclusive content to help you stay informed about the forthcoming vote.

Our reporters have been out in the community, talking to voters and getting a sense of what they want from the candidates, and what they hope will be addressed in the coming election.

The Echo has been issuing regular updates on the most important issues concerning voters, so you can stay informed and make the best decision when it comes to casting your vote.

Follow all our election coverage on this landing page

Daily Echo: Voters will choose new councillors in May Voters will choose new councillors in May (Image: PA)

As the election approaches, we are asking our readers to consider subscribing to our website to allow us to continue to bring you this important journalism.

With a subscription, you will have access to in-depth exclusive interviews and updates on the most important issues of the election.

When you subscribe, you will have access to the advert-lite version of the website which is 80 per cent faster and you’ll see significantly fewer ads too.

You will also have the ability to download our new advert-free app to browse all news stories, read the digital edition and play puzzles without any ad interruptions.

Subscribers also get access to Reader Rewards, which include great deals, discounts, and special offers on brands you love - all year round.

Along with election coverage, our team continues to provide outstanding local coverage including court cases, exclusive eating-out reviews, local nostalgia content and more.

If you haven't already started your digital subscription with us, now is the time with our limited-time sale.

All you have to do to get the special offer is click here and follow the instructions.

Readers can subscribe for just £5 for the first five months or get an annual subscription at only £31 (over 40 per cent off the full price of £52) if they join before the promotion ends. 

After the five-month trial period, the monthly subscription will be renewed at £4.99 per month. 

This deal is only for new subscribers, but if you're already a subscriber, there are other ways to enjoy money-saving benefits. 

* T&Cs apply. Offer valid on digital subscriptions only. Offer ends 8th May 2024 at 23:59pm GMT. Subscription auto-renews unless cancelled. After the five-month trial period, monthly subscription will be charged at £4.99 per month. After the one-year trial period, annual digital subscription will be charged at £52 per year. All subscriptions can be cancelled and refunded within 14 days of purchase. Newsquest Media Group reserves the right to change or remove the offer at any time.