WOULD-be councillors in South Ribble are getting the chance to find out what life is like under the glare of the public eye.

All 55 of the borough's council seats are up for grabs in the local elections, and almost anybody can stand.

But one councillor who retires this year has warned that to step into the council chamber as a representative is a tough job.

Councillor Eunice Webster has represented the Much Hoole and Little Hoole areas of the borough for 26 consecutive years, starting as a novice with no political experience.

Coun Webster said: "Twenty six years is a lifetime. When I first joined the council I was scared. It was like going into something that I had never even thought about.

"I was scared to speak. I thought I couldn't really get up and say something, and it was a little bit overpowering really."

On Thursday, March 20, the council will be holding an information evening when prospective councillors can find out more.

As a local politician anybody interested could be expected to get clued up on housing to sports facilities. They may even become a mayor -- leading the borough in its civic duties.

But, according to Coun Webster, all you really need is lots of spare time and plenty of dedication to the job.

She said: "It's about representing the people who put you in and doing your best as a go-between -- between the council and the public."

Council officer Ron Matthews, who is helping to run the information night, said: "To be a councillor you have to be registered to vote in South Ribble, operate a business in the area or not been declared bankrupt or been in prison for more than three months. But in general terms anybody in the area can stand for election."

The evening will be held at the Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland, from 7.30pm.