Voters in Brighton and Hove are lagging behind in the trials for postal elections.

Figures published ahead of the close of voting today show the 40 per cent returns in the city are below average.

A total of 17 of the other 32 local councils taking part in the pilot scheme have enjoyed greater success than Brighton and Hove, according to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Wansbeck District Council, in the North East, had returns of 50 per cent by yesterday.

Four other authorities had 49 per cent of voting papers returned.

The average for all-postal voting is 41 per cent but turnout in Brighton and Hove has still been boosted by the pilot.

Almost four out of ten people have already voted in the all-postal city election contest in the city.

Turnout in Brighton and Hove at 39.99 per cent so far has already exceeded the 37.9 per cent in the last city elections four years ago.

People who have not yet voted can still drop their ballot papers off by hand at special delivery points in Brighton, Hove and Portslade Town Halls until 5pm today.

The count will be held at the Brighton Centre, starting at 9.30pm.