Tristan Pascoe
Political Reporter, Dorset

Here in Weymouth, ballot papers for Dorset West are still being verified. It's likely that will be quite a close race with Lib Dem Ed Morello challenging Conservative Chris Loder.

Meanwhile counting for Dorset South is already under way and is likely to be declared first.

Peter Henley
Political editor, South of England

Here at Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre in Bournemouth, we are expecting the first result - for Bournemouth East - to be declared at about 2.30am.

The turnout in Bournemouth East was down from 67% in 2019 to 61%.

Poole MP Sir Robert Syms told me his count was close but he thinks he will hang on. He told me he was "baffled" as why the election was called when it was called.

You hear a lot of Conservatives saying -‘we weren’t getting a hearing - people were saying ‘sorry times up’

Tristan Pascoe
Political Reporter, Dorset

Nothing significant to say from here yet - but am being told turnout in some parts of West Dorset was very high - 85% at one polling station

The Liberal Democat Leader of Dorset council, Nick Ireland was optimistic and smiling about prospects for Ed Morello in West Dorset.

Voting has been taking place throughout the day across the UK in the 2024 general election.

Join us after midnight BST for coverage of all the results and reaction across Dorset.

BBC South will have reporters at the counts and you can follow all the election developments as they happen here on the BBC News website and app.

Dorset Wildlife Trust says 3,000 threatened, rare or protected species will be protected.

Hundreds of people attend events to discuss the formation of a nature recovery plan for Dorset.

BCP Council says it will not be joining the government's Safety Valve intervention programme.

It is hoped the scheme will improve biodiversity, fire resilience and help prevent flooding.