Brighton and Hove has been chosen to pioneer voting by post at next year's city council elections.

There will be no polling stations when 200,000 people vote in May after Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott told the city council its bid for an all-postal ballot had been successful.

The aim is to turn the tide on voter apathy by making it more convenient to vote.

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "This is wonderful news for local democracy. We expect many more voters to take part because it will be more convenient. I have great hopes in people's interest in their communities and how they are run will be revitalised.

"Accessibility is often a problem for older or disabled people at some of our polling stations and the weather will no longer be an excuse for people not to vote."

Tories opposed the pilot scheme but opposition leader Brian Oxley said: "Our work continues in winning control of the city council next May, irrespective of the voting system."

Liberal Democrats supported the bid but Green councillors were strongly opposed.

Green Party convenor Keith Taylor said: "For the council to apply to be a pilot to try an all-postal voting when it's in such a financial crisis is an outrage.

"The council doesn't need to do this at all and it will cost taxpayers up to an extra £50,000. Something else will have to be cut to pay for it."

Brighton and Hove was one of 41 authorities picked to take part in schemes aimed at boosting voter turnout.

Local government minister Nick Raynsford said: "These pilots are an important step towards making elections more relevant and accessible for voters."