An audio device designed to help make voting easier for people with sight impairments has been trialled at a by-election in Tendring.

Residents voting in a parish council election in Great Bentley on Thursday, September 18 were the first in the district to be able to try the technology. The device is designed to help blind and partially sighted voters cast their vote independently and in confidence.

Tendring District Council Returning Officer Ian Davidson said: “We are always looking at ways to improve the voting experience for people and this trial is one part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility. Everyone’s vote counts equally — and this device helps us take another step toward ensuring that equality is reflected at the ballot box.”