Local elections 2019: Dogs at the polls - BBC News
Pooches and hounds are at polling stations as people vote in local elections in England and Northern Ireland.
Windsor and Maidenhead are selecting their councillors, and Finn the cocker spaniel "wanted to show his snout at the polling station"

It is that time of year when our canine friends take centre stage.

As voters in England and Northern Ireland go to the polls our dogs often join us for the walk and, sometimes, a photo opportunity.

Elections are being held for 248 English councils, six mayors and all 11 councils in Northern Ireland. There are no local elections in Scotland and Wales.

Since the polls opened at 07:00 BST many a dog has been snapped outside a polling station and, as has been popular on polling days over recent years, shared across social media.

Labradoodles Hotch and Penny were up early this morning for a trip to the polling station at Folkestone Central in Shepway

Martha from Brighton says five-year-old Nelly, a border terrier cross, was "promised cheese" if she stood nicely for a picture

Barney the Labrador "exercised his democratic right" this morning in Wallasey, Merseyside, according to owner Ben Murphy

Anne Rawson's cockerpoo Scooby is "a friend to all" whose favourite kind of polling station is one where he gets petted and given treats

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Darren says his dog Woody the dachshund "had fun voting" and "was welcomed by the team" at the polling station in Brighton

Sam says Phoebe the pug "just loves the taste of democracy in the morning" in Chorlton, Manchester

Michi is a Japanese spitz and "a very friendly and convivial chap, and everyone smiles when they see him," according to owner Inbali

Poppy the chocolate Labrador joined Louise at a polling station for a "walk in the sunshine" in Hull this morning