Have an interest in town issues?

Newtown Town Council is inviting wannabe civic leaders to a familiarisation event to encourage people to stand as a town councillor.

With town, community and county council elections due to be held in May, the town council wants to ensure people are fully aware of what a town councillor's role is and what the town council does.

This will be particularly pertinent this year as the council will be taking on more services and responsibility from Powys County Council as the larger authority seeks further cuts and savings, transferring some services to the likes of town and community councils.

The event will be held on 27 February at Newtown Town Council's chamber at The Cross.

"Every five years elections are held to elect the councillors who sit on the town council," said a council spokesperson. "These elections will be in May this year. Serving on the council is an opportunity to play your part in improving your local community. The event isa  chance for you to find out what it is like to be a councillor and how to stand for election."

The event will take place at 5.30pm.