More than 10,000 postal voters across West Norfolk are being asked to update their details.

From January 31, anyone who made an application to vote by post or proxy five or more years ago will be asked to supply a new signature and to confirm their date of birth.

West Norfolk council said this was a legal requirement for voters.

Mary Colangelo, the council's electoral services manager, said: 'People who do not vote in person are asked to provide a sample of their signature and date of birth when they apply for a postal or proxy vote.

'We hold these details on file. When the ballot papers are returned they are checked against the details we hold. This is required by law to help prevent electoral fraud.

'It is important that the signatures we hold are an accurate reflection of the person's current signature. Over time our handwriting changes so the five-year check is designed to pick up these changes.'

Letters will be sent to people who are required to refresh their signatures. They will need to complete a form and return it in a pre-paid envelope.

Forms must be received by March 12. or people will lose their postal or proxy votes and will need to re-apply for them.