VOTERS are going to the polls today to elect the first mayor of Greater Manchester.

More than 1,400 polling stations across the region are open from 7am until 10pm for people to cast their vote.

The count for all 10 Greater Manchester local authority areas, and the declaration of the winning candidate, will take place at Manchester Central Convention Complex on Friday.

Eight candidates are vying for the role — Andy Burnham, Sean Anstee, Jane Brophy, Shneur Odze, Will Patterson, Stephen Morris, Marcus Farmer and Mohammad Aslam.

This election uses the supplementary voting system, which gives electors the opportunity to cast their vote for their first and second-choice candidates.

If no candidate gets more than 50 per cent of first-choice votes, there will be a second count in which the two candidates with the most first-choice votes remain in the running and all other candidates are eliminated from the contest.

Any second-choice votes for the two remaining candidates will then be added to their first-choice totals and the candidate who has the highest overall total will be declared the winner.

The result is expected to be announced on Friday afternoon, depending on whether a second count is needed.

The mayor will have significant powers over issues such as planning, transport and the fire service, along with chairing the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The responsibilities of the Greater Manchester police and crime commissioner will be merged with those of the mayor and the former position will cease to exist following the election. 

A by-election is also being held today to decide a vacant Church Ward seat on Horwich Town Council.