Voters go to the polls today to choose England and Wales's first police and crime commissioners under the most radical shake-up of the service in half a century.

Elections are being held in the 41 police areas outside London but experts claim turnout could be as low as 15% as a combination of apathy, lack of awareness and dark, cold weather keeps voters at home.

The new commissioners, who are expected to earn up to £100,000, will control police budgets, set priorities and have the power to hire and fire chief constables.

Standing for election in Lancashire are Lib Dem Afzal Anwar, Conservative Tim Ashton, Labour's Clive Grunsahw and UKIP's Robert Drobny.