'Best thing about UK politics right now': Voters share their pictures of dogs at polling stations

Voters in UK local elections have today been observing one of the great traditions of British politics - sharing pictures of their dogs outside polling stations.

Elections are being held in more than 250 local authority areas in England and Northern Ireland on Thursday.

And while the main political parties are fearful of a low turnout, there were at least enough dog owners at the polls to get the hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations trending on Twitter.

Brexit-weary voters welcomed the trend with one Twitter user saying: 'This is the only good thing about politics right now'.

Here is a pick of some of the best pictures posted on Twitter today:

Pats and treats

'Too young to vote'

Not going to pose

Smiling for the camera

In charge

Political poodles

That time again

Pooch positive

Cross party appeal

'Best thing about politics'

Protest vote?