More young people need to vote in the upcoming local elections, the MP for Carshalton and Wallington has said.

Liberal Democrat Tom Brake wants more people of legal voting age to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the May 22 ballot.

And he has called on schools, business and youth organisations to take part in the first National Voter Registration Day on Wednesday, February 5.

Organised by Bite The Ballot, the campaign will see thousands of eligible young voters register for the first time, on the 180th anniversary of the Great Reform Act, which introduced voter registration.

Mr Brake said: “We all need to do more to inspire and engage young people and ensure they don’t miss out on their chance to vote.

"The first step towards this is to make sure that every 16-24 old is registered to vote.

“Many of those who are not on the electoral register are unaware that they are not registered to vote.

"With the local elections approaching fast, I would urge everyone, and not only young people, to get involved in the National Voter Registration Day and make sure they sign up to vote.”

It is hoped up to 250,000 young people will sign up to vote on February 5. Click here to find out more.

To find out if you are registered to vote, call Sutton Electoral Services Office on 020 8770 4179 or email electoralservices@sutton.gov.uk.