With elections on the way in May, voters have only four weeks left to apply for a free voter authority certificate if they don't have ID.

Available to voters unable to provide a passport, driving licence, or bus pass, the voter authority certificate scheme aims to ensure everyone has access to an accepted form of voter ID.

The deadline for applications is April 24 at 5pm.

More than 16,000 people have already successfully applied, and applications can be submitted online or via completion of a paper form.

Voters will need to provide a photo, their full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number.

Applicants must be registered to vote before applying.

The upcoming local elections in England on May 2 will mark the first-time that photo ID is required in many areas.

Jackie Killeen, director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: "Voters will be required to show photo ID at polling stations at the May elections, but we know not everyone has ID they can take with them.

"Our research shows that disabled voters, people who are unemployed and young people may find it harder to meet this new requirement.

"Anyone who doesn’t currently have the ID they need, can apply for a free voter authority certificate, but they must apply before the deadline so that they can cast their vote in May."