IT'S D-Day for candidates in Hampshire today as thousands of residents go to the polls in the local council elections.

Voters in Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester and Fareham will get the chance to put their cross against the candidate of their choice, determining how their local services are delivered.

High-profile politicians from the three main political parties have visited the region during the last month in a hard-fought campaign which has highlighted issues such as antisocial behaviour.

However national politics have also taken centre stage, with today's voting seen as a crucial benchmark of the standing of the Labour government, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems, as well as the minority parties.

A spokesman for the electoral commission told the Daily Echo that whatever political party voters supported, it was crucial they turned up to vote.

She said: "Taking the time to vote in the local elections will help ensure your local services are managed and delivered in the way you and your family want them to be."

Don't forget to buy tomorrow's Daily Echo for the full results.