Dogs at polling stations: Pooches at the polls

Alfie the pug is looking pleased with himself at a polling station in Cheshire

Whenever voters go to the polls it's their dogs that take centre stage as they accompany their owners to polling stations across the country.

In an election tradition, the hashtag #dogsatpollingstations has been trending as social media users share pictures of their 'pawlitical' companions.

As the general election is being held in December for the first time since 1923, we are being treated to photos of our furry four-legged friends in festive spirit.

Millie, golden retriever, Devon

Millie in full Santa gear sits proudly at her local polling station

Ruby, sprocker spaniel, Lancashire

Ruby went to her polling station in Burnley disguised as a reindeer

Butch, yorkie/poodle & Bertie, Maltese/shitzu, Weston-super-Mare

Santa Butch and his little helper Bertie dressed up for the occasion as their owner Sandra Burton-Dickie cast her vote in Weston-super-mare

Sam, labrador, York

Sam the guide dog contemplates the future of the country

Buster, red fox labrador, Oxfordshire

How many light bulbs does it take to change a dog? Buster is as confused as we are

Follow election night on the BBC

• Watch the election night special with Huw Edwards from 21:55 GMT on BBC One, the BBC News Channel, iPlayer

• As polls close at 22:00, the BBC will publish an exit poll across all its platforms, including @bbcbreaking and @bbcpolitics

• The BBC News website and app will bring you live coverage and the latest analysis throughout the night

• We will feature results for every constituency as they come in with a postcode search, map and scoreboards

• Follow @bbcelection for every constituency result

• From 21:45 GMT, Jim Naughtie and Emma Barnett will host live election night coverage on BBC Radio 4, with BBC Radio 5 live joining for a simulcast from midnight

Luca, long haired Chihuahua, Cardiff

Luca braves the cold in Cardiff. Luckily he has his Santa coat on while he waits for his owner Hannah

Heidi, border terrier, Greater Manchester

Heidi makes her best impression of a Christmas tree outside a polling station in Prestwich, Greater Manchester

Henry, beagle/bassett cross, East Manchester

Blue Peter dog Henry keeps a watchful eye at one polling station in East Manchester

• How the BBC is reporting the election

• Who is standing for election in my area?

Twm, border collie, Vale of Glamorgan

Twm is rocking his Christmas tree headband for his polling station visit in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

Harry, border collie & Heidi beagle/labrador, Essex

Harry and Heidi are wondering why their owner is leaving the house in the cold and dark in Essex. Pawrent Max Miller says: "Usually we'd take them during a summer time election and have a nice walk, but it's just too chilly and dark to make the journey."