Richard Butler is among thousands who have cast an e-vote

The skipper of a yacht taking part in a round-the-world race cast his vote in the local elections from the high seas on Thursday.

Richard Butler used a satellite phone on board the Bristol Clipper to take part in the South Somerset District Council (SSDC) vote.

The 60-foot yacht was sailing in the Riau islands off Indonesia when Mr Butler made his e-vote for a candidate in the Parrett ward.

SSDC has been running a pilot where the electorate can use the internet, telephone or post to cast their vote.

A 24-hour dedicated phone line and public access kiosks and computers have been available since 24 April.

By 29 April about 4,500 people had cast an e-vote and 40,000 had voted by post.

"Since I've been entitled to vote, I have always taken the opportunity," said Mr Butler.

"Without this new system this would have been the first election I had missed.

"From here, in the South China Sea, it was as easy using the satellite telephone as it would have been on a landline at home."